Process for preparing EDA using SO2-free hydrocyanic acid

US9914693B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• BASF SE

Inventors

• Hermann Luyken · Ludwigshafen, DE
• Stephanie Jaegli · Mannheim, DE
• Michael Lorenz · Bad Zwischenahn, DE
• Gordon Brasche · Frankfurt, DE
• Markus Jegelka · Ludwigshafen, DE
• Barbara BECKER · Ludwigshafen am Rhein, DE
• Robert Baumann · Mannheim, DE
• Johann-Peter Melder · Schifferstadt, DE
• Boris Buschhaus · Mannheim, DE
• Thomas Krug · Worms, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Feb 12, 2014
• Grant date: Mar 13, 2018
• Expiry date: Feb 12, 2034

Classification

• Technology area (CPC C): Chemistry; Metallurgy
• CPC primary: C07C253/30
• WIPO field: Organic fine chemistry
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

The present invention relates to a process for preparing ethylenediamine (EDA), where the process comprises the steps a) to c). In step a), formaldehyde is reacted with hydrocyanic acid (HCN) to form formaldehyde cyanohydrin (FACH), where the hydrocyanic acid is completely free or largely free of sulfur dioxide (SO2). The FACH prepared in this way is reacted with ammonia (NH3) to form aminoacetonitrile (AAN) in step b), whereupon a hydrogenation of AAN in the presence of a catalyst to form EDA is carried out in step c).