Abstract: A process for the modification of a hydrogenation catalyst of the Raney nickel, Raney cobalt, nickel-on-carrier or cobalt-on-carrier type, which process includes treating the hydrogenation catalyst at temperatures of about 0° C. to about 120° C. with carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, formaldehyde, a lower aliphatic aldehyde, an aromatic aldehyde, an aliphatic ketone, an aromatic ketone, a mixed aliphatic/aromatic ketone, glyoxal, pyruvaldehyde or glyoxylic acid as the modification agent in a liquid dispersion medium consisting of water or an organic solvent for a duration of about 15 minutes to about 24 hours. When the thus-modified catalyst is used in the hydrogenation of a nitrile to the corresponding amine, the selectivity is increased, and significantly favors the amount of the primary amine vis-à-vis the undesired secondary amine in the hydrogenation product as compared to when the corresponding unmodified catalyst is employed.

Abstract: A process for the modification of a hydrogenation catalyst of the Raney nickel, Raney cobalt, nickel-on-carrier or cobalt-on-carrier type, which process includes treating the hydrogenation catalyst at temperatures of about 0° C. to about 120° C. with carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, formaldehyde, a lower aliphatic aldehyde, an aromatic aldehyde, an aliphatic ketone, an aromatic ketone, a mixed aliphatic/aromatic ketone, glyoxal, pyruvaldehyde or glyoxylic acid as the modification agent in a liquid dispersion medium consisting of water or an organic solvent for a duration of about 15 minutes to about 24 hours. When the thus-modified catalyst is used in the hydrogenation of a nitrile to the corresponding amine, the selectivity is increased, and significantly favors the amount of the primary amine vis-à-vis the undesired secondary amine in the hydrogenation product as compared to when the corresponding unmodified catalyst is employed.