Gas-phase hydrogenation of nitriles by nickel on various supports Original Research Article

Gas-phase hydrogenation of benzonitrile and acetonitrile was investigated using 5% nickel on various supports at normal pressure and in a temperature range of 170–230°C. The only products obtained were the corresponding primary amines; however, the catalytic activity was strongly influenced by the support used, being in the order of alumina>titania>silica-alumina>silica. The activity was higher for the catalyst having a smaller degree of nickel dispersion measured by temperature programmed desorption of hydrogen.