Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the preparation of primary, secondary and tertiary amines via a catalytic hydrogenation of unsubstituted, N-substituted, and N,N-disubstituted amides. The amide is led, together with an auxiliary amine, in vaporised form in a hydrogen containing gas flow over the catalyst. The process can be carried out at relatively low pressures, between 2 and 50 bars, using typical hydrogenation catalysts like CuCr-type catalysts. The amine is obtained with high yield and high selectivity. The process can be carried out in a continuous fixed bed reactor.

Abstract: A method is provided for inhibiting the formation of nitrosamines in water based coating formulations containing secondary and/or tertiary amines and a nitrosating agent comprising adding to the system an inhibiting amount of a primary amine. The method includes the addition of a small quantity of primary amine to a waterborne coating formulation that contains a tertiary and/or secondary amine neutralizing agent and a nitrosating agent whereby the formation of nitrosamines is suppressed to a degree that renders it insignificant.