Abstract: Hydration of nitriles, e.g. acrylonitrile, with water in presence of a catalyst comprising catalytic elemental copper prepared by reduction of a copper compound, e.g. copper sulfate, by means of a solution of soluble strong reducing agent, e.g. aqueous solution of sodium borohydride, is described. The copper is thus produced in very fine particulate form having unusually high catalytic activity by comparison with other copper catalyst. Improvements in the reduction are accomplished in alkaline, (e.g. NaOH), solutions and even further in alkaline solution comprising a reducing sugar, e.g. dextrose, in the solution with the strong reducing agent.

Abstract: Homogeneous catalyst for hydration of nitriles to produce amides comprises reduced copper with at least 0.2 percent by weight of reduced iron. Preferred catalysts prepared by reduction of copper and iron compounds with borohydride reducing agent have improved stability of catalytic activity during storage as compared with copper catalysts made without iron.