Patent ID: 6069279
Filing Date: 2000-05-30
Classification: C07C

Abstract:
A method for the preparation of substituted aromatic amines of formula (A) ##STR5## wherein R.sub.1 and R.sup.2 can be the same or different substituents, ortho or meta to the amino group, and are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl, C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkoxy, halogen, cyano, carboxylate salts, amides of carboxylic acids and mixtures thereof, and n is 2 to 5, the method comprising the steps of:a) oxidizing a solution of an aromatic amine of formula (B) ##STR6## wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 have the aforesaid meanings in the presence of an oxidizing agent and a metal pentacyano ferrate(II) complex of a water soluble type having water soluble ligands as part of the complex to form an arylenediaminopentacyano ferrate complex; andb) reducing said arylenediaminopentacyano ferrate complex with a reducing agent in the presence of a catalyst having at least two metals selected from Group VIII of the Periodic Table of the Elements to provide the substituted aromatic amine of formula (A).