The catalytic hydrogenation of adiponitrile to hexamethylenediamine over a rhodium/alumina catalyst in a three phase slurry reactor

Adiponitrile was hydrogenated to hexamethylenediamine (HMD) in a three phase slurry reactor at 353K and 3MPa using Rh/Al2O3. Comparisons were made with a Raney Ni catalyst currently used in the industrial production of HMD. The influence of temperature and pressure on both conversion and selectivity was investigated. The rhodium based catalyst provided good adiponitrile conversion and HMD selectivity. The Rh/Al2O3 catalyst was prepared using the Metal Vapour Synthesis Technique.