Multi-step process for converting cyclic alkyleneureas into their corresponding alkyleneamines

A process for converting a feedstock comprising cyclic alkyleneureas into their corresponding alkyleneamines, comprising:

• a CO2 removal step in which cyclic alkyleneureas are converted into their corresponding alkyleneamines by reacting cyclic alkyleneureas in the liquid phase with water with removal of CO2, and
• an amine removal step wherein cyclic alkyleneureas are converted in a reactive separation process into their corresponding alkyleneamines by reaction with an amine compound selected from the group of primary amines or secondary amines which have a higher boiling point than the alkyleneamines formed during the process, wherein the cyclic alkyleneurea that is subjected to the conversion to give a corresponding alkyleneamine are:
• wherein R1 is chosen from the group of hydrogen, an alkyleneamine group of the formula X—R3—(NH—R3—)p—, an alkoxy group of formula X—R3—(O—R3—)n—, or a group combining such alkyleneamine and alkoxy units p and n, wherein one or more units ˜N—R3—N˜ in the alkyleneamine is present as
• and/or wherein one or more units —N—R3—N— in the corresponding cyclic alkyleneurea is present as
• wherein R2 is hydrogen, X is hydroxyl, amine, a linear or branched C1-C20 hydroxyalkyl or C1-C20 aminoalkyl group, optionally containing one or more piperazine or alkyleneurea groups, when n and p independently are at least 1, or when p or n is 0 is a C1-C20 hydroxyalkyl or C1-C20 aminoalkyl, and wherein each R3 independently is alkylene or substituted alkylene.