Stepan Company

Cathy J Sporer

Randal J Bernhardt

Marshall J Nepras

Disclosed is a process for the preparation of primary, secondary and tertiary amines with high conversion and high selectivity via low pressure catalytic hydrogenation of unsubstituted, N-substituted, and N,N-disubstituted amides. Amide hydrogenation is conducted using a catalyst system comprising copper chromite and a nucleophilic reagent, in combination with hydrogen gas. The process allows for production of amines which may be directly used as chemical intermediates in the manufacture of surfactants, quaternary ammonium compounds, bactericides, disinfectants, lubricants, petroleum additives, ion exchange resins and the like, without the need of purification, such as distillation.

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Lindinhurst, IL, United States of America

Cathy J Sporer