PATENT

3739.  TETER, J. W., AND OLSON, L. E. (Sinclair Refining co.).  Amines and Nitriles From Ammonia and Olefins.  United States Patent 2,520,181, Aug. 29, 1950.  Chem. Abs., vol. 45, 1951, p. 638.

Pyrolytic decomposition in the reaction of NH₃ and olefins was repressed by the use of an improved catalyst, a mixture of reduced metal oxides containing Co and another metal, especially Ni or Zn, capable of forming spinel-type crystal structures with Co.  Diatomaceous earth 540 gm. was suspended in aqueous Na₂CO₃ 910 gm. per gal., the slurry settled, heated to 90°, an equal volume containing 1,275 gm. CoSO₄ 7H₂O and 597 gm. MISO₄,6H₂O per gal. added, the mixture stirred, filtered dried ground washed calcined 2 hr. at660° F., pelleted with 4% graphite, purged with NH₃ reduced with H₂, and the Na content adjusted to 1.95% with NaOAc.  A gas mixture of 10 mol. NH₃ and 1 mol. MeCH:CH₂ at 640° F., 1,500p. s. i., and olefin space velocity 0.2 gave 27.8% EtCN.

See also United States Patent 2,419,470 (abs. 3736).