High temperature process for selective production of 3-methylpyridine

Abstract From the Canadian patent

A process for the selective production of 3-methylpyridine in high yield comprising the step of contacting a vaporized feed stream containing 2-methyl-1,5-pentanediamine with a metal-oxide catalyst of other than an alkali metal at a temperature of about 500-600°C for a contact time of less than about 30 seconds. The catalyst may be on a suitable heterogeneous support, and additives in the feed stream may include 3-methylpiperidine as well as wager hydrogen, ammonia, or nitrogen or some other inert gas. A fluid-bed reactor is preferred, with recycling of by-product and continuous effective runs without catalyst regeneration being accomplished at the stated temperatures.