Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the selective hydrogenation of a dinitrile compound in the presence of a catalyst which comprises a metal of group 8 of the periodic system of the elements, the catalyst comprising a zeolite having a pore diameter of between 0.3 and 0.7 nm. The zeolite preferably has a structure chosen from the structures: ABW, AEI, AFT, ANA, ATN, ATV, ATT, AWW, BIK, CAS, CHA, DDR, EAB, EDI, ERI, GIS, JBW, KFI, LEV, LTA, MER, NAT, PHI, RHO, THO, YUG.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dendritic macromolecule comprising a core and branches emanating from the core wherein the branches are based on vinyl cyanide and/or fumaryl dinatrile units. The invention also relates to processes for preparing these dendritic macromolecules. The dendritic macromolecules according to the invention are not sensitive to degradation through hydrolysis reactions and are also very stable at a high temperature. The processes are very suitable for large scale production of the dendritic macromolecules without requiring purification of reaction intermediates.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the preparation of an aminonitrile by partially hydrogenating a nitrile compound with two or more nitrile groups in the presence of a catalyst which contains a metal from group 8 of the periodic system of the elements, the hydrogenation being carried out under water-free reaction conditions and the catalyst having been treated with an alkanolate. Preferably, the catalyst is a Raney nickel or Raney cobalt catalyst which has been pretreated with an alkali metal alkanolate or an earth alkali metal alkanolate such as sodium or potassium methanolate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dendritic macromolecule comprising a core and branches emanating from the core wherein the branches are based on vinyl cyanide and/or fumaryl dinatrile units. The invention also relates to processes for preparing these dendritic macromolecules. The dendritic macromolecules according to the invention are not sensitive to degradation through hydrolysis reactions and are also very stable at a high temperature. The processes are very suitable for large scale production of the dendritic macromolecules without requiring purification of reaction intermediates.

Abstract: An improved process for the preparation of cyanamide or a cyanamide-containing gas mixture by passing urea and/or urea decomposition products over a catalyst at a temperature in the range of between about 200.degree. C. and 600.degree. C. A porous catalyst is utilized which has an intracrystalline pore diameter of at most 8 A, whereby a high conversion to cyanamide is obtained and the formation of melamine by-products is substantially reduced.

Abstract: An improved process for the preparation of 5-(4-aminobutyl)-hydantoin and/or 2-ureido-6-amino-hexanoic acid amide by the liquid phase hydrogenation of 5-(3-cyanopropyl)-hydantoin and/or 2-ureido-5-cyano-pentanoic acid amide in the presence of ammonia, hydrogen and a hydrogenation catalyst. Catalyst dissolution into the reaction medium is reduced by utilizing a hydrogenation catalyst in a solid bed form and causing the compounds to be hydrogenated to pass through such solid bed catalyst.

Abstract: 5-(4-Aminobutyl) hydantoin is prepared by hydrogenation of 5-(3-cyanopropyl) hydantoin in the liquid phase with a catalyst and ammonia in the presence of greater than 0.4 up to about 2.0 of a dissolved alkali hydroxide per mole of hydantoin to be hydrolyzed. Use of the stated quantity of alkali hydroxide avoids catalyst loss by dissolution yet maintains hydrogenation efficiency.