PRODUCTION OF BIS-(MORPHOLINO-N-ALKYL) ETHERS

摘要

PRODUCTION OF BIS-(MORPHOLINO-N-ALKYL) ETHERS (D#75,002-1-F) An improved process is disclosed for selectively producing a bis-(morpholino-N-alkyl) ether directly from the corresponding N-(hydroxyalkyl)morpholine compound. The improved process includes contacting the N-(hydroxyalkyl) morpholine compound with a catalytically effective amount of a silica-alumina or certain phosphorus containing substances at a temperature of about 200.degree.C to 300.degree.C under a pressure sufficient to maintain the mixture substantially in liquid phase and recovering from the resultant reaction mixture the bis-(morpholino-N-alkyl) ether. According to the preferred embodiment, N-(2-hydroxy-ethyl)morpholine is heated in the presence of a catalytic amount of a silica-alumina catalyst having an alumina content of from about 5 to about 50 wt. % at temperatures of from about 240.degree.C to about 280.degree.C in liquid phase to selectively produce the corresponding N,N',2,2'-dimorpholinodiethyl ether (DMDEE).