| abstract |
3-Aminopropionitriles of the general formula I <IMAGE> (I) where R1,R2,R3,R4 and R5 independently of one another are each hydrogen, C1-C20-alkyl, C1-C8-aminoalkyl, C1-C8-cyanoalkyl, C3-C20-cycloalkyl, C7-C20-aralkyl or aryl, are prepared by a process in which an amine of the general formula II <IMAGE> (II) is reacted with an acrylonitrile of the general formula III <IMAGE> (III) where the substituents have the abovementioned meanings, in a molar ratio of from 0.9:1 to 100:1 over a heterogeneous catalyst at from 40 DEG to 200 DEG C. and from 1 to 350 bar. |