Abstract: This invention relates to a process for the preparation of ruthenium complexes of the formula RuH.sub.2 L.sub.2 (PR.sub.3).sub.2, wherein each L is independently H.sub.2 or an additional equivalent of PR.sub.3, and each R is independently H, a hydrocarbyl group, or an assembly of at least two hydrocarbyl groups connected by ether or amine linkages, comprising contacting a source of ruthenium and PR.sub.3 with gaseous hydrogen in the presence of a strong base, a phase-transfer catalyst, water and an organic solvent; and the use of certain classes of ruthenium complexes as catalysts in hydrogenation, and reductive hydrolysis processes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel ruthenium complex having the formula Ru(.eta..sup.3 --C.sub.6 H.sub.8 --PCy.sub.2)(PCy.sub.3)Cl, wherein Cy is cyclohexyl; its use in the preparation of RuHCl(H.sub.2)(PCy.sub.3).sub.2 and RuH.sub.2 (H.sub.2).sub.2 (PCy.sub.3).sub.2 ; and the use of the complexes as catalysts in hydrogenation, imination and reductive hydrolysis processes.

Abstract: A process for the catalytic preparation of alcohols or amines by reaction of esters, fatty acids, or nitriles with hydrogen at elevated temperature and pressure. The unreduced catalyst contains, per 100 parts by weight of CuO, 40 to 130 parts by weight of ZnO, 2 to 50 parts by weight of Al.sub.2 O.sub.3, and optionally 0.5 to 8 parts by weight of oxide of Mn, Mo, V, Zr, and/or alkaline earth metal. It has a BET total area of 80 to 175 m.sup.2 /g of catalyst in the unreduced state, and 75% to 95% of the BET total area is formed by pores having a radius r.sub.p .ltoreq.15 nm.

Abstract: A process for selectively reducing nitrile contaminants in fluids such as water, methanol or hydrocarbon streams containing mono olefins and which contain minor amounts of contaminants comprising nitriles in the presence of hydrogen and a supported cobalt catalyst. In the olefin stream the nitrile contaminants are substantially reduced without substantial reduction of the mono olefins.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improvement in a process for the production of amines and particularly secondary amines by the hydrogenation of aliphatic and aromatic nitriles. The improvement resides in the use of a multi-metallic catalyst, preferably a bimetallic catalyst comprising nickel or cobalt in combination with rhodium, ruthenium or palladium. Optionally, the catalyst is carried on an alumina support.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for preparing primary amines by hydrogenation of mono and/or dinitrile with hydrogen in the presence of a nickel and/or cobalt catalyst on support and optionally in the presence of ammonia, this process being characterized in that a nickel and/or cobalt catalyst on support is used, optionally in combination with at least one solid, reaction medium-insoluble cocatalyst, the catalyst and/or the cocatalyst being substantially nonacid.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improvement in a process for the production of amines and particularly secondary amines by the hydrogenation of aliphatic and aromatic nitriles and disproportionation of the resulting primary amine containing feedstock. The improvement resides in the use of a bimetallic catalyst comprising nickel or cobalt in combination with rhodium, ruthenium or palladium platinum. Optionally, the catalyst is carried on an alumina support.

Abstract: A process for catalytic preparation of alcohols or amines by reaction of esters, fatty acids, or nitriles with hydrogen at elevated temperature and pressure. The unreduced catalyst contains, per 100 parts by weight of CuO, 40 to 130 parts by weight of ZnO, 2 to 50 parts by weight of Al.sub.2 O.sub.3, and optionally 0.5 to 8 parts by weight of oxide of Mn, Mo, V, Zr, and/or alkaline earth metal. It has a BET total area of 80 to 175 m.sup.2 /g of catalyst in the unreduced state, and 75% to 95% of the BET total area is formed by pores having a radius r.sub.p .ltoreq.15 nm.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of amines by catalytic hydrogenation of nitriles in the presence of a nickel-containing support catalyst. The support catalyst contains Mg and Ni in coprecipitated form and in a molar ratio of 0.0075 to 0.075:1. There is 17 to 60 g of a water-insoluble support per mol of nickel, and 65% to 97% of the BET total surface area of the support catalyst is formed by pores having a radius r.sub.p .ltoreq.2.5 nm.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved process for the preparation of 3-aminopropanol and a primary amine by reacting a cyanoethyl ketoxime with hydrogen in the presence of a hydrogenation catalyst to generate the primary amine and aminopropanol. The sequence of reactions to form the aminopropanol and primary amine involves the reaction of hydroxylamine with a ketone to generate a ketoxime followed by reaction of acrylonitrile with the ketoxime to generate a cyanoethyl ketoxime followed by complete hydrogenation of the cyanoethyl ketoxime in the presence of a hydrogenation catalyst to generate the primary amine and aminopropanol. The significant advantage associated with this process is the high degree of selectivity to 3-aminopropanol and the primary amine.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of preparing optically active alcohols which consist substantially (at least 75% e.e.) or entirely of one enantiomer of formula 4 ##STR1## wherein R and A are as defined therein. The method comprises, which maintaining enantiomeric excess, converting an optically active cyanohydrin of formula 1 ##STR2## into optically active protected cyanohydrin of formula 2 ##STR3## converting the protected cyanohydrin of formula 2 into an optically active compound of formula 3 ##STR4## removing the protecting group B.

Abstract: Nitriles can be hydrogenated to amines by heating the nitrile in the presence of hydrogen and a tungsten carbide catalyst, such as are formed by the calcination of a tungsten salt with an acyclic compound containing-nitrogen-hydrogen bonding.

Abstract: Described are processes for producing amines from nitriles. The processes include electrocatalytic hydrogenations of nitriles in the presence of transition metal-oxide and/or transition metal-hydroxide cathodes to thereby form amines. Preferred modes of the invention provide highly advantageous processes for producing hexamethylenediamine from adiponitrile.

Abstract: A method for producing secondary amines, particularly fatty secondary amines such as ditallowamine from fatty nitriles, such as tallow nitrile over a reduction, hydrogenation catalyst, such as nickel or cobalt, in two steps has been discovered. The reaction gives high selectivity of secondary amine over the coproduced primary and tertiary amines. The first step of the reaction is conducted continuously in the presence of ammonia and hydrogen. The secondary amine proportion is increased by a second stage using the same catalyst as the first stage, but in the absence of ammonia.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel methods of stabilizing polymers of acrylonitrile. The polymers are stabilized by the inclusion of small amounts of stable free radicals compounds which act to inhibit the homopolymerization of the acrylonitrile while promoting the reaction of the acrylonitrile with nucleophilic species such as amines and alcohols.

Abstract: According to the new process, the hydrogenation of unsaturated fatty acid nitriles or mixtures of unsaturated and saturated fatty acid nitriles is carried out in the liquid phase in the presence of nickel catalysts or cobalt catalysts. In a first reaction step the fatty acid nitrile, in the presence of ammonia, is treated with hydrogenation hydrogen until all the nitrile groups are hydrogenated to predominantly primary amino groups. After the ammonia content in the reaction mixture obtained from the first step has been adjusted to a value of at most 0.1 mol of ammonia per mole of fatty acid nitrile used, a second reaction step is used to hydrogenate the double bonds present to saturated bonds. The desired primary and saturated fatty amine is obtained in a very high yield and has an iodine number of at most 5.

Abstract: A method for producing secondary amines, particularly fatty secondary amines such as ditallowamine from fatty nitriles, such as tallow nitrile over a nickel catalyst promoted with copper, chromium and molybdenum has been discovered. The reaction gives high selectivity of secondary amine over the coproduced primary and tertiary amines. The reaction may be conducted continuously in the presence of ammonia and hydrogen. The secondary amine proportion may be increased by a second stage using the same catalyst as the first stage, but in the absence of ammonia. The same catalyst may be used in both steps if a two stage process is used.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for preparing an unsaturated aliphatic primary or secondary amine from the corresponding unsaturated aliphatic nitrile without hydrogenating an olefinic bond in the molecule. The process employs a catalyst which is a combination of copper and a specific metal.

Abstract: The invention provides a nickel/alumina catalyst, with an atomic ratio of nickel/aluminium between 10 and 2, an active nickel surface area between 70 and 150 m.sup.2 /g nickel and an average pore size, depending on the above atomic ratio, between 4 and 20 nanometers. Preferably the nickel/aluminium atomic ratio is between 10 and 4. Preferably the catalyst has a specific porous structure.The invention also provides a method for preparing the catalyst by a two step process involving precipitating nickel ions and adding during a second, so-called ageing step a soluble aluminium compound.The catalyst is useful for hydrogenating unsaturated organic compounds in particular oils.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for making ethylamines by the hydrogenation in a reaction zone of acetonitrile contained in a basic aqueous solution which also contains HCN, which comprises continuously passing hydrogen gas in contact with a flowing stream containing acetonitrile, water and HCN, which stream is in contact with a solid hydrogenation catalyst, wherein the hydrogen contact time is in the range from 0.5 seconds to 20 minutes and the molar ratio of H.sub.2 to acetonitrile charged to said reaction zone is in the range 2-200:1.

Abstract: A process for the production of 1,2-amino alcohols, in improved yields, comprising the steps of:(1) reacting a silylated cyanohydrin compound with a Grignard reagent;(2) treating the reaction product of Step 1 with either a reducing agent, or an organolithium compound;(3) hydrolyzing the reaction product of Step 2;(4) isolating the resulting 1,2-amino alcohol.The 1,2-amino alcohols thus formed are useful as pharmaceuticals or precursors therefor.

Abstract: An improved process is disclosed for the catalytic hydrogenation of an organic nitrile group containing compound to a primary aminomethyl group in the presence of a rhodium catalyst, a basic substance, and in a two-phase solvent system comprising an immiscible organic solvent and water.

Abstract: 9-Carbamoyl-9-(2-cyanoethyl)fluorenes are converted to 9-carbamoyl-9-(3-aminopropyl)fluorenes by catalytic hydrogenation in the presence of a strong acid.

Abstract: Saturated primary amines are prepared by reacting a nitrile with hydrogen at elevated temperature under superatmospheric pressure in the presence of ammonia and a metallic iron catalyst which has been obtained by reducing anisometric iron oxide particles with hydrogen at not more than 500.degree. C.

Abstract: This invention provides for the separation of the contents of the process discharge stream of reaction in which an amine is produced from a nitrile. An inorganic base having a concentration greater than 40 weight percent is introduced into the process discharge stream which is decanted, purged, flashed, and a portion thereof recycled.

Abstract: Supported coprecipitated cobalt-silica hydrogenation catalysts are disclosed. The catalysts are prepared by: preparing an aqueous reaction mixture containing cobalt cations, silicate anions and solid porous carrier particles under agitation to form a coprecipitate of the cobalt and silicate ions onto said solid porous support particles; heating the aqueous reaction mixture; and adding an alkaline precipitating agent to further precipitate the cobalt and silicate ions onto said solid porous carrier particles. The aqueous reaction mixture may additionally include copper cations.

Abstract: In the production of hexamethylenediamine from adiponitrile an inorganic base is used to facilitate separation of Raney nickel catalyst and crude hexamethylenediamine.

Abstract: An improved process for preparing primary amines from an aliphatic nitrile and hydrogen utilizing a Raney cobalt catalyst which contains from about 2 to 35 weight percent of aluminum on a 100 weight percent total weight basis. Preferably, this catalyst is prepared under low temperature conditions from a cobalt-aluminum alloy. The process can be practiced continuously for extended periods of time at high reaction rates and high conversion yields even when employing concentrated nitrile starting feeds.

Abstract: Selective reduction of compounds containing reducible nitro-, nitroso-, nitrilo-, oximes or double bonds is effected by the use of a metal macrocyclic compound in prereduced form, such as a metal phthalocyanine or a metal porphyrin.

Abstract: Aminoalkoxypentaerythritol compounds are provided having the following formula: ##STR1## where R.sub.1, R.sub.2, and R.sub.3 are independently selected from H and ##STR2## where R.sub.4 is selected from H and a lower alkyl group having from 1 to about 4 carbon atoms.

Abstract: Aminoalkoxyhexane compounds are provided having the following formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3, R.sub.4, and R.sub.5 are independently selected from H and ##STR2## wherein R.sub.6 is selected from H and a lower alkyl group having from 1 to about 4 carbon atoms.

Abstract: A ruthenium-containing catalyst is regenerated after use for an organic chemical treatment, e.g., hydrogenation, dehydrogenation, isomerization, disproportionation, hydrocracking, etc., at an elevated temperature and at a considerably reduced pressure of the order of about 600 mm Hg and much lower of the order of about 0.001 mm Hg.

Abstract: A method for preparing a diaminoalkoxy compound of the formula: ##STR1## wherein m and n are both numbers from 0 to about 25 and m+n equals at least 1, R.sub.1 is selected from H and a lower alkyl group having from 1 to about 4 carbon atoms; and R.sub.2 is selected from H and an alkyl group containing from 1 to about 10 carbon atoms; which comprises incrementally introducing a dicyanoglycol compound of the formula: ##STR2## wherein m, n, R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 have the values indicated above into a reaction medium at a rate sufficient to minimize cleavage reactions, at a temperature of from about 90.degree. C. to about 160.degree. C. in the presence of hydrogen at a pressure of from about 800 psi to about 2200 psi; ammonia in an amount of from about 10 to about 40 weight percent based on the weight of dicyanoglycol compound; and a nickel catalyst in an amount sufficient to catalyze said reaction, whereby said dicyanoglycol compound is reduced to said diaminoalkoxy compound.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for reducing amidine formation during reduction of organonitriles. The process comprises including a boron compound in the reaction medium in sufficient amount to complex the amidine compound as it is formed.

Abstract: Unsaturated dinitriles are hydrogenated to saturated diamines using a rhodium catalyst on a silica support having a surface area larger than 275 m.sup.2 /g, a pore volume of from about 1.0 to 1.5 mL/g and an average pore size of from about 100 to about 175 A. The supported rhodium catalyst is prepared by a method which includes the steps of contacting a silica support having the characteristics described above with a solution or dispersion of rhodium or a reducible compound of rhodium, and then subjecting the impregnated silica support to vacuum treatment.

Abstract: Supported coprecipitated catalysts comprised of one or more metals of Group VIII, one or more metals of Group IIA, and aluminum are used for hydrogenating hydrogenatable organic compounds. The catalysts are produced by preparing, under agitation; an aqueous mixture containing ions of Group VIII, Group IIA, and aluminum, as well as solid porous particles to form a coprecipitate of the metal ions and aluminum ions with the solid porous support particles; heating the aqueous reaction mixture; and adding precipitating agent to precipitate the metal ions and aluminum ions onto the solid support.

Abstract: An improved process for the preparation of triethylamine by gas phase catalytic hydrogenation of acetonitrile is disclosed, the improvement residing in employing as the catalyst a supported noble metal of Group VIII of the periodic system catalyst where the support comprises lithium aluminum spinel. The process can be carried out in the presence of up to 5% by weight of monoethylamine and/or diethylamine. The process is conducted at 80.degree.-115.degree. C. and under a pressure of 1 to 60 bars.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improvement in a process for preparing lower acyclic saturated amines by the gas phase hydrogenation of nitriles. To carry out the gas phase hydrogenation, the temperatures utilized in the reaction zone are from about 150.degree. to 350.degree. C., the pressure from about atmospheric to 500 psia, and the space velocity from about 750-20,000. Preferably, the conditions are controlled such that the components in the reaction zone are not exposed to a temperature greater than 380.degree. C. for a period of time in excess of 0.03 seconds.

Abstract: A process for prolonging the activity of catalysts during the hydrogenation of unsaturated dinitriles comprising pretreating the dinitrile feed with a crystalline zeolite.

Abstract: New dinitriles are prepared by reacting an alpha, beta saturated nitrile with an alpha, beta unsaturated nitrile. For this preparation subzero temperatures are preferred. Higher diamines can be prepared by hydrogenating the dinitriles thus obtained, such diamines being reacted with a dicarboxylic acid or a salt, ester or chloride of such an acid to prepare polyamides having an amorphous character, i.e. transparent polyamides.

Abstract: Supported coprecipitated non-ferrous Group VIII metal aluminum catalysts are used for hydrogenating hydrogenatable organic compounds. The catalysts are produced by preparing an aqueous mixture containing the metal ions, aluminum ions and solid porous support particles under agitation to form a coprecipitate of the metal ions and aluminum ions with the solid porous support particles; heating the aqueous reaction mixture; and adding precipitating agent to further precipitate the metal ions and aluminum ions onto the solid support.

Abstract: Supported coprecipitated nickel-cobalt-silica and nickel-cobalt-copper-silica hydrogenation catalysts are disclosed. The catalysts are prepared by preparing an aqueous reaction mixture containing nickel and cobalt cations (and optionally copper cations), silicate anions and solid porous carrier particles under agitation to form a coprecipitate of the nickel, cobalt (and optionally copper) and silicate ions onto said solid porous support particles; heating the aqueous reaction mixture; and adding an alkaline precipitating agent to further precipitate the nickel, cobalt (and optionally copper) and silicate anions onto said solid porous carrier particles.

Abstract: A novel process is described for the homogeneous hydrogenation of nitriles to primary amines utilizing anionic Group VIII metal hydride compositions as catalysts which contain phosphorus, arsenic or antimony organoligands. Use of these anionic catalysts allows the high yield hydrogenation of nitriles to primary amines to be conducted under mild conditions of temperature and pressure with high selectivity and eliminates the need for the presence of ammonia to suppress the formation of significant amounts of secondary and tertiary amines.

Abstract: In the process of hydrogenating aliphatic nitriles to primary amines whereby the nitrile is hydrogenated in a solvent system containing added ammonia using a cobalt or ruthenium catalyst, the improvement of employing an ether as solvent and carrying out the hydrogenation in the presence of water in an amount of from about 5% to about 15% by volume of the ether solvent whereby the rate of reaction is increased, and selectivity to primary amine products is increased.