Kinetics and process parameter studies in the synthesis of 2-amino-1-butanol from methyl-DL-alpha-aminobutyrate

Methyl-DL-alpha -aminobutyrate was hydrogenated in methanol at 105 atm hydr ogen partial pressure and 170 degreesC temperature over copper chromite cat alyst in a high pressure autoclave to obtain 2-amino-1-butanol. Under best suitable reaction conditions, 100% selectivity was obtained at an ester con version of 39%. Different important process parameters like temperature, ca talyst loading, catalyst reusability, initial concentration, speed of agita tion, and hydrogen partial pressure were studied. The reaction was found to be a first order reaction on the starting ester under the reaction conditi ons.