Preparation of alpha,beta-dihalogenopropionitrile

PURPOSE: To obtain the titled compound useful as a raw material for a physiologically active substance, etc. in high yield industrially advantagenously, by halogenating acrylonitrile directly in the presence of a specific catalyst under specified conditions. CONSTITUTION: Acrylonitrile is hlaogenated directly in the presence of an acid amine in a molar ratio of it: acrylonitrile of 1:0.05W2.0 in the absence of light at -70W75°C to give a reaction product, which is distilled under reduced pressure, to give an α,β-dihalogenopropionitrile in high selectivity and conversion. Formaldehyde, etc. may be cited as the acid amide, and 2-aminoethanolamine, etc. as the ethanolamine. EFFECT: Any by-products are hardly formed. There are neither problem of recovery of pyridiene nor that of liquid-waste treatment. A catalyst containing about 0.5wt% water, a technical grade, is used without any problems. COPYRIGHT: (C)1981,JPO&Japio