Abstract:
Disclosed is a method for preparing tertiary amine compounds from primary amines and nitriles in the presence of hydrogen gas and metal catalyst, or metal-containing catalyst composition, at a temperature from about 50°C to about 200°C and at a pressure from about 100 psig to 1500 psig. The primary amines and the nitriles used in the process may be diamines and/or dinitriles, or may be combinations of primary amines and/or nitriles. Also disclosed and novel tertiary amine compounds made by the described method.