abstract |
Adiponitrile is made by reacting 3-pentenenitrile with hydrogen cyanide. The 3- pentenenitrile is made by reacting 1,3-butadiene with hydrogen cyanide. The 1,3- butadiene feed includes a small amount of tertiary-butylcatechol. The catalyst for the reaction of 1,3-butadiene with hydrogen cyanide to make 3-pentenenitrile is recycled. At least a portion of the recycled catalyst is purified by an extraction process. |