Abstract: An improved process for converting acrylonitrile to the corresponding amide by hydrating said nitrile in the presence of a metallic copper catalyst and aluminum nitrate as promoter for said catalyst.

Abstract: A method for economically concentrating an acrylamide aqueous solution by catalytic hydration without substantial deterioration in the product. According to the method, an acrylamide aqueous solution obtained from catalytic hydration, is concentrated by distillation while maintaining the solution in good contact with at least 0.1 mole. or more of air per mole of water distilled from the acrylamide aqueous solution.

Abstract: A process for continuously manufacturing acrylamide by hydrating acrylonitrile in the presence of a free metallic copper catalyst, characterized in that a reactor is employed, which is internally partitioned into a catalyst slurry circulating section and a catalyst precipitating section, and that raw materials and supplementary catalyst are supplied continuously into the reactor and at the same time the clear reaction liquid and a portion of the catalyst are continuously taken out of the reactor so that the properties of the catalyst are maintained constant.

Abstract: An improved process for preparing acrylamide or methacrylamide which process comprises the step of reacting acrylonitrile or methacrylonitrile with water in the presence of a catalyst system consisting of a metallic copper containing catalyst and a copper salt promoter, said copper salt being copper sulfate, copper nitrate, copper halide, or a copper salt of a lower fatty acid.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for handling acrylamide aqueous solutions with safety wherein acrylamide aqueous solutions obtained through catalytic hydration reaction of acrylonitrile are handled using utensils made from phenol resin, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinylchloride resin or fluorine-containing resin or glass or using such utensils that are provided with linings formed by these materials.

Abstract: A method of purifying an aqueous solution of acrylamide, which has been formed by reacting acrylonitrile with water in the presences of the metallic copper catalyst, and which contains cuprous ions, comprising treating said aqueous solution in a reaction zone which is substantially free of an oxygen containing gas or liquid.