Catalytic cracking of organic amides

The development of a new family of polymers with a reactive primary amine function [poly(vinyl amine)] has been delayed by the availability of a suitable monomer. Bis amides are attractive intermediates for the large scale synthesis of the monomer. Dramatically improved catalytic technology for cracking bis amides to vinyl amides in high yields is reported. This technology now offers an attractive route to vinylamide monomers which may be polymerized to produce amine functionalized polymers. The catalysts suitable for the cracking process are porous, hydrogen abstracting catalysts, such as activated carbon, magnesium oxide, silicon phosphate, strontium pyrophosphate, neutral or basic calcium hydroxyapatite, CuCrO₂ and La₂O₃. The catalytic cracking reaction is carried out at a temperature in the range of 200 to 350°C. The best product selectivities are obtained when the process is operated at a low partial pressure of the organic feed to ensure that gas phase is predominant.