| abstract |
An improved reductive amination process whereby monoethethanolamine and ammonia are reacted in the presence of hydrogen and various reductive amination catalysts to yield high selectivity to acyclic products such as aminoethylethanolamine, while reducing the production of cyclic products such as piperazine. The process is carried out in the presence of a reductive amination catalyst containing a metal such as nickel or nickel-rhenium on transitional alumina carriers, whereby the productivity and selectivity to the desired products is increased. Alternatively, the process may be carried out in the presence of hydrotalcite-like or takovite-like catalysts which have been enhanced by the use of promoters to achieve the desired results. |