PURPOSE: To readily and selectively obtain aldehydes and alcohols by dissolving a nitrile in water or a water-containing organic solvent, adding a hydrogenation catalyst thereto and reacting hydrogen therewith at the ordinary temperature and pressure.
CONSTITUTION: A nitrile (e.g. benzonitrile, benzylnitrile or acetonitrile) is dissolved in a water-containing organic solvent (e.g. methanol, DMF or THF), and a hydrogenation catalyst (e.g. Raney nickel) is added thereto. Hydrogen is reacted therewith at the ordinary temperature and at a pressure to produce an aldehyde and an alcohol. The hydrogenatic reduction may be carried out by directly blowing hydrogen thereinto or by carrying out electrolytic reduction. The selectivity of alcohols and aldehydes is improved by reacting at a milder condition in comparison with that for production of amines. Amines as by- products are separated from the organic solvent, e.g. in a form of water-soluble hydrochloride and a high-purity alcohol can be obtained thereby.
SHIMAKAWA CHITOSHI
TATEYAMA NORIKO
