A process for preparing piperazine is provided wherein an amino compound such as amines of the general formula X--ch.sub.2 ch.sub.2 --y wherein X is --NH.sub.2 or --OH and Y is --NH-- CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --OH, --NH--(CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 NH).sub.n --H or wherein n is 0 to 3 or mixtures of such amines obtained by reaction between ethylene oxide and ammonia, is heated in the presence of ammonia, if necessary, and a Ni--MgO catalyst at a temperature from about 200.degree. to about 275.degree. C to a percent conversion of at least 65 percent to reaction products. The reaction can be carried out in the absence of added hydrogen.
