NEW MATERIAL: An aminopropylimidazole of formula I (R, R', R" are independently H, a 1-6C alkyl).

EXAMPLE: 1-Aminopropyl-2-ethyl-4-methyl-imidazole.

USE: The compd. is useful as an accelerator and hardener for epoxy resin systems.

PROCESS: The compd. of formula I is obtd. by hydrogenating a cyanoethylimidazole of formula II in the presence of a catalyst. The hydrogenation is preferably executed for 2 to 18 hours at 50 to 100°C under a hydrogen pressure of 500 to 100 psi. The catalyst is adequately selected from the group consisting of Raney nickel, palladium on charcoal and rhodium on characoal.