Patent ID: 8278488

Claim:
A process for producing a tertiary amine represented by formula (2): wherein R 1 is a linear or branched aliphatic hydrocarbon group having 5 to 23 carbon atoms; and R 2 and R 3 are respectively a linear or branched alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms and may be the same or different, in the presence of a chromium-free catalyst comprising copper and at least one element selected from the group consisting of magnesium, calcium, barium, manganese, and yttrium, said process comprising: (a) reducing an amide compound represented by formula (1): wherein R 1 , R 2 and R 3 are the same as defined above, in a hydrogen atmosphere, to obtain a reaction product; and (b) reacting a dialkyl amine having a linear or branched alkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms with said reaction product.