Intermolecular condensation of ethylenediamine to 1,4-diazabicyclo[2,2,2]octane over TS-1 catalysts

The intermolecular condensation of ethylenediamine (EDA) to 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane or triethylenediamine (TEDA) has been carried out over various titanosilicate catalysts. Superior to Ti-MWW, Ti-Beta, Ti-FER, and Ti-MOR, TS-1 showed higher EDA conversion and TEDA selectivity. The effects of reaction parameters, Ti content, and crystal size on the EDA condensation over TS-1 have been investigated. The mechanism for the TS-1-catalyzed condensation of EDA has also been considered. The acid sites, originated from the Si–OH groups adjacent to the “open” Ti sites, were assumed to contribute to the intermolecular condensation of EDA, whereas the Lewis acid sites directly related to Ti(IV) ions were not the true active sites. The primary intermolecular condensation of EDA to 1,4-diazacyclohexane or piperazine (PIP) took place mainly inside the micropores of the MFI structure, while the secondary condensation of PIP with EDA to TEDA was favored by the acid sites located near the pore entrance and on the outer surface of crystals.