University of Cape Town

Carl Von Ossietzky Universitat Oldenburg

Tawanda Stephen Sango

Michael Christian Maximilian Claeys

Eric Wilhelmus Josephus Van Steen

Frank Roessner

A process is described for the production of one or more of linear nitriles, amides and formamides which includes reacting a nitrogen containing compound, such as ammonia or NO, and a synthesis gas over a catalyst at a temperature of between 160&#xb0; C. and 400&#xb0; C. and a pressure of between 1 bar and 50 bar. A further process for the production of one or more of linear phosphorous containing compounds is also described, which includes reacting a phosphorous containing compound, such as a phosphine, and a synthesis gas over a catalyst at a temperature of between 160&#xb0; C. and 400&#xb0; C. and a pressure of between 1 bar and 50 bar. A supported cobalt, iron, ruthenium or rhodium catalyst or an unsupported (bulk) promoted iron catalyst, modified with a promoter is used. The synthesis gas is a mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide, in a ratio from 0.5:1 to 5:1; or a mixture of hydrogen and carbon dioxide; or a mixture of water and carbon monoxide. The suppression of the formation of oxygenates in the process is a feature of the invention and oxygenates may even be included in the feed to become converted to corresponding nitrogen containing compounds in the process.

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Cape Town, South Africa

Tawanda Stephen Sango