Abstract: A process for the preparation of isophorone nitrile utilizing solutions of lithium hydroxide or lithium cyanide, solid LiOH or solid LiOH.cndot.H.sub.2 O as a catalyst. The reaction is carried out under precisely controlled temperature conditions and cyanide feed rate profiles to maintain a reasonably constant concentration of non-reacted cyanide, thereby minimizing the formation of undesirable diisophorone, its nitrile derivative(s) and HCN polymers. A polyacidic acid can be used to acidify the batch, followed by filtration to remove the precipitated lithium salt of the acid, and vacuum distillation to remove liberated HCN and excess isophorone. The resulting isophorone nitrile is obtained in high yield and with low impurity content.

Abstract: A process of preparing iron chelates of amino and hydroxy carboxylic acids, comprising reacting an oxide of iron with an amino or hydroxy carboxylic acid and a base in the presence of ferrous ion or metallic iron as a catalyst. Additional base is added to the resulting chelant and oxidation may be carried out to convert any ferrous ion to ferric.

Abstract: A process for preparing isophorone nitrile is disclosed, whereby isophorone is reacted with hydrogen cyanide in the presence of a quaternary ammonium catalyst. Remaining catalyst is removed by thermal destruction and nitrogen sparging. Residual cyanide is removed by acidification and nitrogen sparging.