Abstract: This disclosure describes a novel process for preparing N-alkylethylenediamines which are useful as intermediates for purifying penicillins. N-alkylethylenediamines are also useful for preparing penicillins and cephalosporins. Specifically, N-ethylethylenediamine is useful for manufacturing piperacillin which is useful as an antibiotic.More particularly, the invention relates to a process for the efficient reaction of an alkyl halide and ethylenediamine and the recovery of anhydrous, ethylenediamine-free N-alkylethylenediamines therefrom.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for preparing N-(1,1-dimethyl-3-oxobutyl)acrylamide which comprises (1) contacting a dispersion of 5,6-dihydro-6-hydroxy-4,4,6-trimethyl-2-vinyl-1,3,3(4H)-oxazine-3-ium sulfate (1:1) in a water-immiscible organic solvent with a neutralizing or alkalizing amount of gaseous ammonia at a temperature between about 10.degree. C. and 25.degree. C. to form a solution of diacetone acrylamide in said organic solvent and a precipitate of crystalline ammonium sulfate; (2) separating the crystals of ammonium sulfate; (3) cooling the organic mother liquors recovered from step (2) to about -10.degree. C. to 20.degree. C. to crystallize N-(1,1-dimethyl-3-oxobutyl)acrylamide therefrom; and (4) recovering the crystals of N-(1,1-dimethyl-3-oxabutyl) acrylamide, washing the recovered crystals with a cold water-immiscible organic solvent and drying the same.

Abstract: A process is disclosed whereby 5,6-dihydro-6-hydroxy-4,4,6-trimethyl-2-vinyl-1,3(4H)-oxazine sulfate (1:1) is neutralized or alkalized under carefully controlled conditions to produce N-(1,1-dimethyl-3-oxobutyl)acrylamide, a reactive monomer useful for preparing polymeric components of photographic films and adhesives.