| abstract |
This invention provides a convenient process for manufacturing 1,3-dialkyl-2-imidazolidinones in a direct one-step reaction from industrially available alkylene carbonate, N-alkylethanolamine or 1,2-diol, which can minimize forming solid materials and be readily conducted in an industrial large-scale production with a higher yield and less byproducts. The process is characterized in that alkylene carbonate, N-alkylethanolamine or 1,2-diol is reacted with monoalkylamine and carbon dioxide, alkylcarbamate alkylamine salt, and/or 1,3-dialkylurea, by heating them at 50° C. or higher in a reactor whose area in contact with at least part of the reactants and/or products is made of a metal comprising titanium or zirconium and/or an oxide thereof or inorganic glass. |