PURPOSE: To provide a production method for the subject compound, highly simple and advantageous in conducting it on an industrial scale, enabling the compound to be obtained in high yield by hydrogenation of 2-acetylamino-2- methylpropionitrile without formation of any byproduct even in the case of an ammonia-free system.

CONSTITUTION: This compound, 2-methyl-1,2-propanediamine, is obtained by hydrogenating 2-acetylamino-2-methylpropionitrile followed by hydrolysis. In this case, the hydrogenation is conducted in an ammonia-free system in the presence of Raney nickel as catalyst at 50-140°C.