Abstract: Process for the catalytic hydrogenation of a nitrite in the presence of an amine and a catalyst wherein the catalyst is a liquid-rinsed Raney-type catalyst contacted with a hydroxide prior to contacting the catalyst with the amine. The process results in higher selectivity in the formation of diamines from diniriles.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the hydrogenation of phenyl acetylene in a styrene-containing medium with the aid of a supported nickel catalyst with a nickel content of 10-25 wt. %. This process is by preference used for the hydrogenation of phenyl acetylene in a styrene-containing medium which contains more that 30 wt. % of styrene.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the selective hydrogenation of a dinitrile compound in the presence of a catalyst which comprises a metal of group 8 of the periodic system of the elements, the catalyst comprising a zeolite having a pore diameter of between 0.3 and 0.7 nm. The zeolite preferably has a structure chosen from the structures: ABW, AEI, AFT, ANA, ATN, ATV, ATT, AWW, BIK, CAS, CHA, DDR, EAB, EDI, ERI, GIS, JBW, KFI, LEV, LTA, MER, NAT, PHI, RHO, THO, YUG.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dendritic macromolecule comprising a core and branches emanating from the core wherein the branches are based on vinyl cyanide and/or fumaryl dinatrile units. The invention also relates to processes for preparing these dendritic macromolecules. The dendritic macromolecules according to the invention are not sensitive to degradation through hydrolysis reactions and are also very stable at a high temperature. The processes are very suitable for large scale production of the dendritic macromolecules without requiring purification of reaction intermediates.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the preparation of an aminonitrile by partially hydrogenating a nitrile compound with two or more nitrile groups in the presence of a catalyst which contains a metal from group 8 of the periodic system of the elements, the hydrogenation being carried out under water-free reaction conditions and the catalyst having been treated with an alkanolate. Preferably, the catalyst is a Raney nickel or Raney cobalt catalyst which has been pretreated with an alkali metal alkanolate or an earth alkali metal alkanolate such as sodium or potassium methanolate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dendritic macromolecule comprising a core and branches emanating from the core wherein the branches are based on vinyl cyanide and/or fumaryl dinatrile units. The invention also relates to processes for preparing these dendritic macromolecules. The dendritic macromolecules according to the invention are not sensitive to degradation through hydrolysis reactions and are also very stable at a high temperature. The processes are very suitable for large scale production of the dendritic macromolecules without requiring purification of reaction intermediates.

Abstract: A process of treating a ketoxime or aldoxime-containing amide mixture resulting from a Beckmann rearrangement of the corresponding ketoxime or aldoxime. The process involves hydrolysis of the mixture to remove the remaining ketoxime or aldoxime which are converted to the corresponding ketone or aldehyde and then separated off from the mixture. Any amino acid resulting from the hydrolysis can be reconverted to the corresponding amide by raising the temperature of the mixture.