Different recycling concepts in the homogeneously catalysed synthesis of terpenyl amines

The homogeneously catalysed hydroamination reaction of β-myrcene with morpholine to terpenyl amines was investigated. Two different techniques to avoid catalyst losses from the liquid phase were applied: Thermomorphic Multicomponent Solvent (TMS)-systems, in which the temperature-sensitivity of the binodal curve is exploited and Liquid-Liquid Two-Phase (LLTP)-systems, in which the reaction happens at the phase interface. The highest β-myrcene conversion of more than 90% and a product yield of more than 80% was measured in a TMS-system consisting of n-heptane and acetonitrile. The same conversion was reached in a LLTP-system consisting of water and β-myrcene, whereas a product yield of 55% was achieved. Experimental data of the liquid-liquid phase equilibria resulted in thermodynamic fundamentals for the design of chemical reactors for the production of amines. Theoretical prediction of equilibrium compositions using PC-SAFT equation of state agree excellent with measured values.