Synthesis of 2-methylpyrazine from cyclocondensation of ethylene diamine and propylene glycol over promoted copper catalyst

The 2-methylpyrazine was synthesized by catalytic reaction of ethylene diamine and propylene glycol at 380 °C. The alumina supported copper catalysts with promoter were prepared by impregnation method, characterized by ICP-AES, BET and TPR. The results demonstrated that the dehydrogenation was improved by addition of chromium promoter. The selectivity of 2-methylpyrazine reached 84.75%, while the conversions of reactants were also enhanced.