Patent ID: 6680403
Filing Date: 2004-01-20
Classification: B01J,C07C

Abstract:
A process for the partial hydrogenation of a dinitrile to an aminonitrile, comprising the step of contacting the dinitrile with a hydrogen-containing fluid in the presence of (a) a solvent comprising liquid ammonia, an alcohol, or both; (b) a hydrogenation catalyst; and (c) an additive for improving the yield of and/or selectivity to the aminonitrile, wherein the dinitrile has the general formula R(CN)2, wherein R is an alkylene group, and wherein the additive comprises a compound selected from the group consisting of;carbon monoxide; a multi-centered metal carbonyl cluster containing (i) at least two metal atoms within the cluster, (ii) at least three bridges between the metal atoms within the cluster, and (iii) at least one carbonyl group bonded to a metal atom; and an organic isonitrile.