HYDROGENATION OF METHYLENEDIANILINE TO PRODUCE BIS (PARA-AMINOCYCLOHEXYL) METHANE

摘要

This invention relates to an improved hydrogenation process wherein methylenedianiline is reduced to form bis(para-aminocyclohexyl)methane (PACM). The process contemplates contacting methylenedianiline and hydrogen in the presence of a two component metal catalyst comprising rhodium and ruthenium under mild hydrogenation conditions. Use of the mixed metal catalyst system allows one to obtain a preselected isomer ratio having from about 5-40% by weight, typically 14-28% by weight of the trans,trans- configurational isomer.