Catalytic hydration of organic nitrile to amide - using a hydrated metal complex catalyst which is recoverable

摘要

Amides are prepd by hydration of an organic nitrile (I) in a process in which the nitrile (I) and water are contacted with a complex catalyst contg the moiety where M = transition metal or metal of group IB; X = monovalent anion; L & L1 = Lewis bases. The catalyst (II) is also specifically claimed. The products are useful as intermediates for insecticides, pesticides, corrosion inhibitors, flocculating agent for water treatment, petrol recovery agents etc. They are also useful as solvents. The process gives a good yield within a reasonable time, and the catalyst (II) is recoverable and so may be used repeatedly.