Albemarle Corporation

Michael W Easson

James E Boone

John C Prindle

Jason G Jones

Max K Mortensen

James Dee Palmer

A mixture comprised of about 60-85% of 2,4-toluenediamine (2,4-TDA) and about 15-40% of 2,6-toluenediamine (2,6-TDA) is melted, the temperature of the mixture is lowered to a 2,4-TDA nucleation temperature, and the temperature of the mixture is gradually reduced from the nucleation temperature to about 65 to about 70&deg; C. The resultant mixture is in the form of a solids phase enriched in 2,4-TDA, and a novel and useful liquid phase enriched in 2,6-TDA. These phases are separated. Preferably the solids are further purified by &ldquo;sweating&rdquo; them and removing the sweated liquid impurities. The sweated liquid can be recycled together with another charge of a mixture comprised of 2,4-TDA and 2,6-TDA. 2,4-TDA can be produced with a purity of 96-99%.

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Plaquemine, LA, United States of America

Michael W Easson