CATALYSTS AND THEIR USE IN HYDROGENATION

摘要

Catalyst compsn. for hydrogenating org. cpds. is made by solidifying into particles for a fixed bed, a molten iron oxide contg. >96.5% iron oxide and having an oxygen: Fe atomic ratio of from 1.2:1 to 1.4:1, preferably 97.5% iron oxide and an oxygen: Fe ratio of 1.33 to 1.37:1 partic. corresp. to magnetite spec. of natural Swedish origin. The granulometry of the ground catalyst is 3.35 to 1.41 mm The catalyst is activated by heating in the presence of hydrogen at 200-600 degrees C which preferably removes at least 85% of the oxygen. Particularly activating in the presence of 0.25 to 25% ammonia using dry hydrogenat 325-375 degrees C. The catalyst is made nonpyrophoric by a stabilisation process, the activated catalyst has a specific, surface of 4-25 m2/gm and hexamethylenediamine may be pref. from adiponitrile using the catalyst. Highly purified hexamethylenediamino is required for Nylon 6.6. which requires expensive special distillation equipment, using the catalyst, the level of impurities is controlled obviating the need for expensive purification.