THE STAGED SYNTHESIS OF 2-METHYLIMIDAZOLE FROM ETHYLENEDIAMINE AND ACETIC-ACID IN THE PRESENCE OF A BIFUNCTIONAL ALUMINOPLATINUM CATALYST

An investigation has been conducted into the staged synthesis of 2-met hylimidazole from ethylenediamine and acetic acid in the presence of a bifunctional aluminoplatinum catalyst. It has been shown that the for mation stage of 2-methylimidazoline occurs more quickly on gamma-Al2O3 than its dehydrogenation on the Pt centers. From a comparison of the processes of dehydrogenation of 2-methylimidazoline in the molten phas e and in aqueous solution it follows that the water eliminated in the imidazoline formation stage could cause the decrease in activity durin g the dehydrogenation on the Pt centers. The structures of the seconda ry and intermediate products have been established for each stage of t he process and their formation routes are discussed.