Process for producing N-alkyl-N-methylamine or N-alkenyl-N-methylamine

Abstract

A process for producing an N-alkyl-N-methylamine or an N-alkenyl-N-methylamine in a high yield from a higher alcohol and methylamine comprising the step of reacting a higher alcohol with methylamine in the presence of a catalyst comprising copper and a fourth period transition metal of the Periodic Table, except for chromium, or a catalyst comprising copper, a fourth period transition metal of the Periodic Table, except for chromium, and an element of the platinum group VIII of the Periodic Table, at a pressure ranging from atmospheric pressure to 100 atm. G., at a reaction temperature ranging from 100.degree. to 250.degree. C., with hydrogen gas being introduced into the reaction system while water produced in the reaction is removed from the reaction system and the amount of methylamine in the gaseous mixture which contains no matter formed through the reaction and is exhausted from the reaction system is regulated from 5 to 50% by volume.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.