| abstract |
The invention relates to a method for the continuous production of an amine by reacting a primary or secondary alcohol, aldehyde and/or ketone with hydrogen and a nitrogen compound, selected from the group containing ammonia and primary and secondary amines, at a temperature that ranges between 60 and 300 DEG C in the presence of a catalyst containing copper. According to the invention, the catalytically active mass of the catalyst contains the following prior to its reduction with hydrogen: 20 to 85 wt. % aluminium oxide (Al2O3), zirconium dioxide (ZrO2), titanium dioxide (TiO2) and/or silicon dioxide (SiO2); 1 to 70 wt. % copper compounds containing oxygen, calculated as CuO; 0 to 50 wt. % magnesium compounds containing oxygen, calculated as MgO; chromium compounds containing oxygen, calculated as Cr2O3; zinc compounds containing oxygen, calculated as ZnO; barium compounds containing oxygen, calculated as BaO; and/or calcium compounds containing oxygen, calculated as CaO; and less than 30 wt. % nickel compounds containing oxygen, calculated as NiO, in relation to the copper compounds containing oxygen, calculated as CuO. The reaction in the gas phase takes place isothermally in a tubular reactor. |