Selectivity control in substituted fatty amines synthesis from esters or nitriles in the presence of bifunctional catalysts

Copper chromite-type catalysts, supported by alumina or graphite and promoted with barium, were used for the onestep synthesis of tertiary fatty amines [R2NCH3 or RN(CH3)2] from ester, acid or nitrile and ammonia, methanol and hydrogen. The surface composition of the catalysts, studied by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and by adsorption experiments, showed that there was a correlation between selectivity and the presence of a well-dispersed CuCrO2 phase, stabilized with barium. Moreover, the elements influencing the stability of the copper catalysts were also studied, and the promoter or/and the support increased the copper surface area and the stability of the catalyst in the presence of water or ammonia.