N-METHYLFORMAMIDE PRODUCTION PROCESS Russian patent published in 2008 - IPC C07C231/02 C07C233/03 

FIELD: industrial organic synthesis.

SUBSTANCE: process involves formic acid-methylamine reaction via intermediate methylammonium formate salt, which is dehydrated in presence of molybdenum trioxide catalyst dissolved in aqueous methylamine and added to formic acid in amount 2.0-4.0 wt % based on the latter. Reaction is carried out for 1-2 h in reactor filled with inert packing material having developed surface without cooling of reaction mixture, whereupon volatile products are distilled away at bottom temperature up to 190°C for 60-90 min. Bottom residue containing catalyst, after isolation of desired product, is returned to reactor.

EFFECT: reduced reaction time, reduced power consumption, improved quality of product obtained at increased yield, and diminished production waste.

5 cl, 8 ex