Production of higher amines by the gas phase hydrogenation of nitriles
AssigneeAir Products and Chemicals, Inc.
InventorsEckhart R. Becker, Randall J. Daughenbaugh, Barton Milligan
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Abstract
This invention relates to an improvement in a process for preparing lower acyclic saturated amines by the gas phase hydrogenation of nitriles. To carry out the gas phase hydrogenation, the temperatures utilized in the reaction zone are from about 150.degree. to 350.degree. C., the pressure from about atmospheric to 500 psia, and the space velocity from about 750-20,000. Preferably, the conditions are controlled such that the components in the reaction zone are not exposed to a temperature greater than 380.degree. C. for a period of time in excess of 0.03 seconds.
Claims5
In a process for the catalytic hydrogenation of a lower aliphatic mononitrile having from 2 to 6 carbon atoms in a structure by reacting said nitrile with hydrogen in a reaction zone to form the corresponding amine, the improvement which comprises:
- (a) carrying out said reaction at a temperature and pressure such that the hydrogenation reaction is carried out in the gas phase;
- and
- (b) maintaining a feed throughput in the reaction zone such that the gas hourly space velocity is from 2,000 to 12,000.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.