Methylamine, viii

These considerations are strikingly demonstrated by the volcano-shaped pattern of variation of catalytic activity as shown schematically in Figure 7.3. While the heat of adsorption is steadily decreasing from left to right, the catalytic reaction rates peak at the group VIII metals in the periodic table. Figure 7.3 shows the pattern of variation of catalytic reaction rates across the series of transition metals Re, Os, Ir, Pt, and Au for the hydrogenolysis of the C—C bond in ethane, the C —N bond in methylamine, and the C —Cl bond in methyl chloride. 

The role of metal hydrides in the catalytic reduction of CO via both intra- and intermolecular hydride transfer pathways has been discussed . The activation of CO by reaction with a secondary amine and subsequent reduction to the methylamine is catalysed by Group VIII carbonyls albeit at very low rates . 

Storage tanks for the methylamines should be made of steel and designed to comply with Section VIII of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, as well as with all state and local regulations [3]. Safe working pressures vary with the vapor pressure temperature relationship of the particular methylamine being stored, and with the high-temperature ranges at the plant location. 

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