Modified 8-ring zeolites as catalysts for conversion of methanol and ammonia to dimethylamine

摘要

A process for producing dimethylamine is provided, comprising reacting methanol and/or dimethylether and ammonia, in amounts sufficient to provide a carbon/nitrogen (C/N) ratio from about 0.2 to about 1.5, and at a temperature from about 250 DEG C. to about 450 DEG C., in the presence of a catalytic amount of a modified acidic zeolite selected from the group consisting of chabazite, erionite, ZK-5, and rho, the zeolite having been modified by treatment with one or more compounds containing at least one element selected from the group consisting of silicon, aluminum, phosphorus, and boron, to deposit thereon at least 0.05 weight percent of the element.