Patent ID: 6080883
Filing Date: 2000-06-27
Classification: C07C

Abstract:
A process for the coproduction of 6-aminocapronitrile (ACN) and hexamethylenediamine (HMD) by treatment of adiponitrile (ADN) with hydrogen in the presence of a nickel-containing catalyst at temperatures not below room temperature and elevated hydrogen partial pressure in the presence or absence of a solvent, which comprises, after the conversion based on ADN and/or the selectivity based on ACN has or have dropped below a defined value(a) interrupting the treatment of ADN with hydrogen by stopping the feed of ADN and of the solvent, if used,(b) treating the catalyst at from 150 to 400.degree. C. with hydrogen using a hydrogen pressure within the range from 0.1 to 30 MPa and a treatment time within the range from 2 to 48 h, and(c) then continuing the hydrogenation of ADN with the treated catalyst of stage (b).