Patent ID: 9701634
Date: 2017-07-11
CPC Classifications: C07D

Claim:
1. A continuous process for the synthesis of 3-methyl-pyridine from formaldehyde, paraldehyde, ammonia and acetic acid, comprising continuously subjecting said compounds in a jet loop reactor to reaction conditions comprising the following parameters: a) a reaction temperature of 260-300° C.; b) a molar ratio of formaldehyde and paraldehyde (calculated as acetaldehyde) of 0.7-1.4 mol/mol; c) an ammonia concentration of 10-20 weight-% d) an acetic acid concentration of 4-20 weight-% e) a paraldehyde (calculated as acetaldehyde) concentration of 0.4-1.6 Mol/kg f) a retention time of 10-30 minutes; and g) a reaction pressure of 30-130 bar; whereby the space/time yield of 3-methylpyridine is more than 50 kg/m3*h, and the 3-methylpyridine yield is at least 64% (based on formaldehyde) and the 3-ethylpyridine yield is at most 4% (based on paraldehyde).