PURPOSE: To obtain the subject compound useful as a raw material for a quaternary ammonium salt suitable as a softener for hair, etc., by reacting an amino- alcohol with formaldehyde or paraformaldehyde and hydrogen cyanide and then hydrogenating the reaction product.
CONSTITUTION: An amino-alcohol of the formula R1-NH-R2-OH (R1 is a 1-6C alkyl or a hydroxyalkyl; R2 is a 2-6C alkylene or a hydroxyalkylene) is reacted with formaldehyde or paraformaldehyde and hydrogen cyanide to give an aminonitrile of formula I, which is hydrogenated in the presence of a hydrogenating catalyst (e.g. Raney nickel, Pd/C, etc.) to give a compound of formula II. The hydrogenation reaction, for example, is preferably carried out at 50-120°C under 0-30kg/cm2.G hydrogen pressure by adding ammonia, etc.
TATEZAWA OSAMU
SOTODANI KOSHIRO
