Abstract In a process for orthoalkylating an aromatic amine such as aniline by reaction of the aromatic amine with an olefin and a catalytic amount of an alkyl aluminum halide, the improvement whereby the catalyst is removed after the alkylation by adding to the reaction mixture aqueous caustic in an amount sufficient to provide from about 1.2-6 equivalents of caustic per equivalent of halogen, aging the caustic treated mixture at about 75*-175* C. for a period of from 15 minutes to 3 hours, separating the aqueous phase and adding to the aqueous phase at a temperature of about 20*-50* C. an amount of a weakly acidic material sufficient to reduce the pH to less than about 9.5, and then filtering off the precipitated alumina. This improved aluminum extraction process allows removal of the aluminum content of the alkylation in a readily recoverable, useful form.
The process of claim 1 wherein said alkali metal hydroxide is sodium hydroxide.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
24 words
The process of claim 2 wherein said aromatic amine is aniline, said olefin is ethylene and said alkyl aluminum halide is diethyl aluminum chloride.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
25 words
The process of claim 3 wherein said aging in Step (B) is carried out at about 90*-100* C. for a period of about 15-45 minutes.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
12 words
The process of claim 4 wherein said acidic material is carbon dioxide.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
29 words
The process of claim 5 wherein said carbon dioxide is added to said aqueous phase at a temperature of about 20*-35* C. until the pH is below about 8.5.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
26 words
The process of claim 2 wherein about 1.8-2.2 equivalents of sodium hydroxide are employed in Step (A) for each equivalent of halogen in said reaction mixture.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
29 words
The process of claim 7 wherein said aging in Step (B) is carried out at a temperature of about 90*-100* C. for a period of from about 15-45 minutes.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
12 words
The process of claim 8 whereIn said acidic material is carbon dioxide.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
25 words
The process of claim 9 wherein said carbon dioxide is added at a temperature of about 20*-35* C. until the pH is below about 8.5.