Method for the production of amines

Abstract

The present invention provides a process for hydrogenating aromatic nitro compounds to the corresponding amines in the presence of hydrogenation catalysts, which comprises using hydrogenation catalysts in which nickel and platinum are present on a support in the form of an alloy having an atomic ratio of nickel to platinum in the alloy of between 30:70 and 70:30.

1 . A process for hydrogenating aromatic nitro compounds to the corresponding amines in the presence of hydrogenation catalysts, which comprises using hydrogenation catalysts in which nickel and platinum are present on a support in the form of an alloy having an atomic ratio of nickel to platinum in the alloy of between 30:70 and 70:30.  
   
   
       2 . The process according to  claim 1 , wherein the aromatic nitro compound used is dinitrotoluene.  
   
   
       3 . The process according to  claim 1 , wherein the atomic ratio of nickel to platinum in the alloy is between 40:60 and 60:40.  
   
   
       4 . The process according to  claim 1 , wherein the atomic ratio of nickel to platinum in the alloy is between 45:55 and 55:45.  
   
   
       5 . The process according to  claim 1 , wherein the catalyst is used in an amount of from 0.01 to 10% by weight, based on the reaction mixture.  
   
   
       6 . The process according to  claim 1 , wherein the catalyst is used in an amount of from 0.1 to 5% by weight, based on the reaction mixture.  
   
   
       7 . The process according to  claim 1 , wherein the catalyst is used in an amount of from 0.2 to 2% by weight, based on the reaction mixture.  
   
   
       8 . The process according to  claim 1 , wherein the hydrogenation is carried out at a temperature in the range from 80 to 250° C.  
   
   
       9 . The process according to  claim 1 , wherein the catalyst used is used at its loading limit.  
   
   
       10 . A catalyst which comprises nickel and platinum on a support in the form of an alloy having an atomic ratio of nickel to platinum in the alloy of between 40:60 and 60:40, wherein the support is selected from the group comprising activated carbon, carbon black and graphite.  
   
   
       11 . The use of catalysts according to  claim 10  for hydrogenating dinitrotoluene.