Activity and selectivity of cobalt, nickel and copper catalysts for hydrogentaion of lauronitrile

Abstract

Cobalt and nickel metal powders possessing various specific surface areas were prepared by decomposition of their salts under hydrogen. The activity of the metals for hydrogenation of lauronitrile was found to be proportional to their specific surface areas. Oxide carriers do not affect the specific activity of the metals. The relative specific activities of the metals are in the ratio Ni : Co : Cu = 20 : 10 : 1. Pure nickel affords 2.3 times more secondary amine than cobalt; on copper catalyst, secondary amine is formed predominantly.