Abstract: Processes for the preparation of 2,2'-bipyridyls by reacting a pyridine base in the presence of an elemental nickel catalyst, along with an effective amount of borohydride salt and ammonium hydroxide to reduce the inactivation of the nickel catalyst during the reactions.

Abstract: Processes for the preparation of 2,2'-bipyridyls by reacting a pyridine base in the presence of a nickel catalyst which comprises a significant amount of elemental nickel bound on a suitable support. In one embodiment the coupling reaction takes place in several reactor designs at a temperature of about 200.degree.-240.degree. C. and a pressure sufficient to maintain at least some of the base in a liquid state during the reaction. In other preferred embodiments, processes for preparing 2,2'-bipyridyls are conducted at a temperature between about 175.degree.-240.degree. C. These latter processes require that the nickel have a high specific Ni surface area.