Production of higher amines by the gas phase hydrogenation of nitriles

摘要

This invention relates to an improvement in a process for preparing lower acyclic saturated amines by the gas phase hydrogenation of nitriles. To carry out the gas phase hydrogenation, the temperatures utilized in the reaction zone are from about 150 DEG to 350 DEG C., the pressure from about atmospheric to 500 psia, and the space velocity from about 750-20,000. Preferably, the conditions are controlled such that the components in the reaction zone are not exposed to a temperature greater than 380 DEG C. for a period of time in excess of 0.03 seconds.