Preparation of zerovalent nickel complexes
AssigneeE. I. Du Pont de Nemours and Company
InventorJohn J. Ostermaier
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Abstract
An improved, continuous process for the preparation of hydrocyanation catalysts comprising zerovalent nickel complexes with organophosphorus compounds (ligands) by controlling the temperature of the reaction relative to the amount of ligand and conducting the reaction in the presence of a chlorine ion and organic nitrile such as adiponitrile.
Claims6
An improved process for the continuous production of a zerovalent nickel complex having the general formula Ni(L).sub.4 where L is a neutral ligand of the formula P(Z).sub.3 where Z is R or OR and R is an alkyl or an aryl group of up to 18 carbon atoms which comprises continuously contacting elemental nickel having a surface area of at least about 800 square centimeters per gram of nickel, in a reaction medium comprising in percent by weight based upon the weight of the liquid in the reaction medium at least 50% L, at least 2% of an organic nitrile having 4-20 carbon atoms and at least 100 ppm Cl as an organochloridite while maintaining the temperature in .degree.C. of the reaction within the range defined by a minimum temperature equal to 102-0.375.times.(%L) and a maximum temperature equal to 58.3+0.725.times.(%L).
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.