PROCESS FOR PRODUCING AMINOS AND IMINES

Open chain and closed chain amines and imines are prepared and amines are alkylated and de-alkylated, such that one or more amines or their salts are made to react in an aqueous or solvent or mixed aqueous/solvent medium, or in steam, or with a catalyst carrying on its surface a halogen, and/or a compound containing a halogen atom, in the presence of water. Reaction product is separated by established methods, or the whole content of the reaction vessel is made to react further, possibly after treatment, being used for synthesis. In some cases the aqueous phase and the organic phase are recycled, with or without treatment, to alkylate or de-alkylate the amines.