Hexa:methylene-di:amine prepn. from 2-cyano-cyclopentanone - by catalytic reaction with ammonia and hydrogen

摘要

Prepn. of hexamethylenediamine (I) comprises contacting 2-cyanocyclopentanone (II), or adiponitrile contg. 0.05-0.60(pref. 0.10-0.50) wt. % (II), with a mixt. of NH3 and H2 in the presence of an opt. promoted activated Fe oxide catalyst. The reaction is carried out at 100-275 degrees C (pref. 100-200 degrees C) and a pressure of 300-600 kg/cm2. The NH3: (II) molar ratio is >=4:1 (pref. 4-270:1) and the H2 pressure must be sufficient to prevent conversion of the activated catalyst to Fe oxide. (I) is useful as a detergent, emulsifier or polyamide intermediate. Process allows conversion of adiponitrile contaminated with 2-cyano-cyclopentylidenimine (III) into pure (I), since (III) can be converted to (II) by hydrolysis.