Disproportionation of amines to produce secondary amines

摘要

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.