Hydrogenation of 3-(dimethylamino)propionitrile over palladium catalysts wa
s studied. Besides the expected amines, N,N,N'N'-tetramethylpropane-1,3-dia
mine, N,N-dimethyl-N'-propylpropane-1,2-diamine, and N,N-bis[3-(dimethylami
no)propyl]propylamine were found. Reaction pathways of their formation were
discussed. Effects of reaction conditions, type of catalyst, and addition
of ammonia or an amine into the charge on the hydrogenation selectivity wer
e studied.