Inventors:
Kamil Klier - Bethlehem PA
Richard G. Herman - Whitehall PA
Gamini A. Vedage - Bethlehem PA
Assignee:
Lehigh University - Bethlehem PA
International Classification:
C07C 8506
Abstract:
A primary alkyl amine and an alcohol of up to 12 carbon atoms are reacted at low temperature (50. degree. -250. degree. C. ) over specific catalysts (alkali-treated catalysts generally or binary Cu/ZnO and Pd/SiO. sub. 2 systems, with or without alkali treatment) to produce, with good selectivity, secondary and tertiary alkylamines of the general formula, R. sub. 1 N(R. sub. 2). sub. 2, wherein R. sub. 1 is a lower alkyl or an aryl group, and R. sub. 2 is hydrogen or another lower alkyl or aryl group, with at least one of R. sub. 2 's being an alkyl or aryl group.