Process for the preparation of triethylamine

US4297512A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• EC Erdolchemie GmbH · DE

Inventors

• Klaus Mainusch · Dormagen, DE
• Bernhard Schleppinghoff · Dormagen, DE
• Klaus Münter · Mannheim, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Aug 22, 1979
• Grant date: Oct 27, 1981
• Expiry date: Aug 22, 1999

Classification

• Technology area (CPC C): Chemistry; Metallurgy
• CPC primary: C07C209/48
• WIPO field: Organic fine chemistry
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

An improved process for the preparation of triethylamine by gas phase catalytic hydrogenation of acetonitrile is disclosed, the improvement residing in employing as the catalyst a supported noble metal of Group VIII of the periodic system catalyst where the support comprises lithium aluminum spinel. The process can be carried out in the presence of up to 5% by weight of monoethylamine and/or diethylamine. The process is conducted at 80.degree.-115.degree. C. and under a pressure of 1 to 60 bars.