2:2'-dipyridyl and alkyl derivative thereof

摘要

2,21-Dipyridyl and alkyl derivatives thereof are prepared by heating at a temperature above 150 DEG C. pyridine, monoalkylpyridine or a pyridine substituted by two alkyl groups containing together not more than six carbon atoms and in which at least one of the 2 and 6 positions are unsubstituted with rhenium in finely divided form. The catalyst, which may be in powder or granular form, is preferably supported on, for example, alumina, silica, animal charcoal, asbestos, pumice or kieselguhr. The process may be effected in a continuous manner wherein unreacted pyridine is recycled over the catalyst.