Two-step process for converting cyclic alkylene ureas into their corresponding alkylene amines

A process is provided for converting cyclic alkyleneureas into their corresponding alkyleneamines. The process includes, in a first step, converting cyclic alkyleneureas into their corresponding alkyleneamines by reacting cyclic alkyleneureas in the liquid phase with water with removal of CO2, so as to convert from about 5 mole % to about 95 mole % of alkyleneurea moieties in the feedstock to the corresponding amines. The process further includes, in a second step, adding an inorganic base and reacting cyclic alkylene ureas remaining from the first step with the inorganic base to convert them partially or completely into their corresponding alkyleneamines. Certain embodiments of the two-step process obtain a high conversion of cyclic alkyleneureas, while using substantially less strong inorganic base. Certain embodiments of the process process also show a higher selectivity to amines than prior art processes.