| abstract |
Process for the preparation of a nitrile of the formula wherein R is hydrogen, C₁-C₄ alkyl or phenyl, by reacting an aldehyde of the formula wherein R has the meaning given above, with hydroxylamine sulfate and subsequent dehydration, characterized in that the reaction in propionic acid in the presence of a propionic acid salt by heating to an outside temperature of 140 to 165 ° C, preferably 150 to 160 ° C, during 2 to 6, preferably 3 to 5 hours, at atmospheric pressure with simultaneous distilling off of the propionic acid / water mixture which forms, until a solution is formed and subsequent final distillation of the propionic acid / water mixture at 100-130 ° C, preferably 110 to 120 ° C, in Vacuum is carried out and then the nitrile obtained is isolated by generally customary methods. |