A process for making 3-aminopentanenitrile from a crude 2-pentenenitrile (“crude 2PN”) comprising 2-pentenenitrile, 2-methyl-2-butenenitrile, and 2-methyl-3-butenenitrile includes contacting the crude 2PN with an ammonia-containing fluid and water. The ammonia-containing fluid can include at least one reactant selected from the group consisting of ammonia, aqueous ammonia, and ammonium hydroxide.