Process for making nitriles
US9169197B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 16, 2011 |
| Grant date | Oct 27, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 1, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02P20/584
- WIPO fieldOrganic fine chemistry
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
An improved multi-reaction zone process provides improved nitrile product quality and yield. In a first reaction zone, 1,3-butadiene is reacted with hydrogen cyanide in the presence of a catalyst to produce pentenenitriles comprising 3-pentenenitrile and 2-methyl-3-butenenitrile. In a second reaction zone, 2-methyl-3-butenenitrile, recovered from the first reaction zone, is isomerized to 3-pentenenitrile. In a third reaction zone, 3-pentenenitrile recovered from the first and second reaction zones is reacted with hydrogen cyanide in the presence of a catalyst and a Lewis acid to produce adiponitrile. Unwanted production and build-up of dinitriles, including methylglutaronitrile, in the first reaction zone for the hydrocyanation of 1,3-butadiene is prevented by limiting the flow of Lewis acid into the first reaction zone.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.