Catalyst system for amine transalkylation

摘要

In the transalkylation of tertiary amines, unexpected higher yields are achieved requiring substantially less catalyst and much shorter reaction times at lower reaction temperatures using a homogeneous catalyst in the presence of an alcohol solvent and carbon monoxide. The process may be exemplified by reacting triethylamine and tripropylamine in the presence of a homogeneous triosmiumdodecacarbonyl catalyst, ethanol, and carbon monoxide to prepare diethylpropylamine and ethyldipropylamine.