Patent ID: 8134028

Claim:
A process for preparing 1,2-diamino-3-methylcyclohexane and/or 1,2-diamino-4-methylcyclohexane, comprising the steps of (a) charging an autoclave with a mixture comprising 2,3- and/or 3,4-diaminotoluene, a dialkyl ether and/or alicyclic ether as a solvent, ammonia, and a heterogeneous rhodium catalyst; and (b) hydrogenating said 2,3- and/or 3,4-diaminotoluene by supplying hydrogen to said autoclave at elevated pressure and elevated temperature to form 1,2-diamino-3-methylcyclohexane and/or 1,2-diamino-4-methylcyclohexane; wherein said process is performed batchwise.