SYNTHESIS OF LOWER ALKYL AMINES

摘要

A process for producing lower alkyl amines by reacting a gaseous alcohol with ammonia at a temperature of from 177 DEG C to 260 DEG C in the presence of hydrogen and a catalyst comprising a Group 8 metal carried on an alumina support is characterized in that the alcohol is a lower alkanol and the support has been rendered neutral or substantially neutral by the incorporation therein of a basic material containing an alkaline earth metal. By neutralising or substantially neutralising the support the amount of hydrocarbon by product formed is reduced thereby increasing the effect life of the catalyst. Further reduction in the amount of hydrocarbon produced can also be achieved by varying the ratio of lower alkanol to ammonia to hydrogen and ratios of 10-16/1/0.25-1 seem particularly suitable.