Selective reductive amination of nitriles

摘要

This invention pertains to an improvement in a process for the formation of secondary or tertiary amines by the catalytic reductive amination of a nitrile with a primary or secondary amine and, particularly to the reductive amination of C8-20 nitrites with a secondary amine. The catalyst employed in the improved reductive amination process is one which has been promoted with a lithium salt or base, e.g., lithium chloride or lithium hydroxide.