PROCESS FOR THE CATALYTIC REDUCTION OF NITRO-AROMATIC COMPOUNDS

Abstract: The present invention describes a process for the catalytic reduction of nitro-aromatic compounds by transfer of hydrogen from alcohols to nitro-aromatic compounds, said reduction being catalyzed by iridium complexes and characterized in that a primary or secondary alcohol having the formula (I) or a glycol: is made to react with a nitro-aromatic compound having the formula (II): Ar-(NO y ) x (II) wherein; R and R′, possibly linked to each other according to homo- or heterocycles, represent indifferently either a hydrogen atom or a possibly substituted hydrocarbylic group having up to 30 carbon atoms; Ar represents an aryl or hetero-aryl group, also substi­ tuted with inert groups; x and y, either equal to or different from each other, represent an integer chosen from 1 and 2, in the presence of a complex catalyst of iridium chosen from among those having formulae (III) and (IV); {Ir Chel (L-L)}X (III) and Ir Chel (L)₂Y (IV) wherein; Chel represents a kelating bi-toothed nitrogeneous compound; L-L represents a molecule of a diolefine, preferably not conjugated; L represents a mono-olefine molecule; X⁻ represents an anion chosen from among: Cl⁻, Br⁻, I⁻, PF₆⁻, BR₄⁻, ClO₄⁻, B(C₆H₅)₄⁻, OH⁻, wherein R and R′ have the significance already given to them; Y is a halogen, preferably Cl, Br or I; and optionally with a compound chosen from mineral alkaline compounds, at a temperature comprised between about 20°C and the boiling temperature of the reaction mass. The compounds thus obtained consist of the derivatives of the partial or total hydrogenation of the nitro-aromatic starting compounds constituted by anilines or aryl-amines in general, by the aryl-hydroxyl-amines, by the aryl-hydrazo compounds and by the aryl-azo compounds, and can be used as intermediates for organic syntheses in general, in the field of fine chemistry.

Description: PROCESS FOR THE CATALYTIC REDUCTION OF NITRO-AROMATIC COMPOUNDS The present invention refers to a process for the catalytic reduction of nitro-aromatic compounds. More particularly, the present invention concerns a catalytic process for the hydrogenation of nitroaromatic compounds through the transfer of hydrogen from alcohols in the presence of iridium complexes. The compounds thus obtained consist, besides the aldehyde or the ketone issuing from the primary or secondary de-hydrogenated alcohol, of the derivatives of the partial or total hydrogenation of the starting nitro-aromatic compounds. Said derivatives may, depending on the progressive degree of the conducted hydrogenation and/or on operating conditions, be aryl-hydroxylamines, aryl-hydrazo compounds or aryl-azo compounds. The products obtained can be used in a wide range of industrial applications. In fact, they represent intermediates for organic syntheses in general, with particular possibilities in the field of fine chemistry. Among these possibilities, aniline has applications in the field of synthetic rubbers (as a vulcanization accelerator and anti oxidizing agent), in the production of isocyanates (polyurethanes), and especially, together with other aryl-amines prepared according to the present invention, in the field of the industry of dyestuffs and of the intermediates for photographic and pharmaceutical products, in the field of explosives, plastics, propellants, insecticides, etc. In their turn, the hydrazo-compounds and the aromatic azocompounds are used in the field of dyestuffs, etc. There are known methods for the catalytic reduction of aromatic nitro-derivatives that use as a hydrogenation source both molecular hydrogen and hydrogen-donors, in general alcohols, carbon oxide and water, etc. In particular there has been described a hydrogenation method or a method of catalytic reduction of nitro-aromatic compounds (phenylic compounds) by means of the transfer of hydrogen from isopropanol, in the presence of phosphinic rhodium and ruthenium complexes and of potassium hydroxide at temperatures greater than 1200C. There are also obtained minor quantities of arylic hydrazo-derivatives (phenyl derivatives), of azo-derivatives and of azoxy-benzene. There is an insufficient industrial applicational interest because of the low reaction velocity (rate) of the methods used that leads to low unitary yields. The catalysts used for this purpose, in fact, produce unsatisfactory reaction rates, lower, even in the order of a hundredfold, than those obtainable by the use of the catalysts according to the present invention, which latter offer much more pronounced characteristics of industrial applicability. Other methods foresee the use of pressurized molecular hydrogen in the presence of iron complexes, ruthenium and rhodium complexes with ptiosphines and/or carbon oxide, and of stoichiometric tertiary amines; or else the use of CO+H20 mixtures under pressure, in the presence of rhodium, iridium, ruthenium, osmium carbonyl clusters at 100 -180 C, in order to obtain aromatic amines. Furthermore, there have been described aromatic azo-derivatives obtained by the reduction of nitro-aryls with CO under pressure (200 atm) at about 2000C, in the presence of ferro-carbonyls. The above-mentioned techniques are not, however, directly pertinent to the present invention because molecular hydrogen is used as a reducing agent or, alternatively, CO, possibly in admixture with H20, under very severe operationing conditions of temperature and pressure. To resume, it only involves methods of a substantially experimental character. The known methods for industrial processing thus remain the conventional hydrogenation methods with molecular hydrogen and heterogeneous catalysis, carried out using Adams-, nickel de Raney, copper chromite, palladium on carbon catalysts, etc., or with stoichiometric methods with Fe, Zn, Sn and acids (HCl) etc., which do not technologically show elements that are pertinent to the present invention. According to the present invention, the preparation of hydrogenated compounds (aromatic amines, aryl-hydroxylamines, aryl-azo and arylhydrazo conipounds), by catalytic transfer of hydrogen from alcohols or glycol donors to the starting nitro-aromatic compounds, with contemporaneous formation of ketones or aldehydes, with the use of particular iridium complexes, proves particularly effective for its selectivity, versatility and, in particular, for the high reaction velocity ensured by the catalysis. The complex catalysts of iridium used according to the present invention, are compounds known per se and described in the technical literature. A number of iridium complexes with CO are known in the hydrogenation reaction of nitro-aryls (nitro-benzene) with the use of CO + H20 as a hydrogen source, i.e., in reactions using in pratic only molecular hydrogen as a hydrogenating agent, as indicated above. In this case it is also a question of a technology other than that adopted in the present invention. The present invention may, thus, in a certain way represent an unexpected overcoming of the drawbacks of the Prior Art which mentions the use of catalysts based on iridium complexes with CO as described above in reactions of a proper hydrogenation with gaseous H2 or with equivalents (CO + H20). Thus, one object of the present invention is to provide a method for the catalytic reduction of nitro-aromatic compounds, with iridium complexes, which is simple, cheap and particularly selective, especially as to the high catalysis speed, using as hydrogen donors alcohols or glycols. This and further objects, which will become evident to the man skilled in the art from the following description, are achieved, according to the present invention, by a process for the catalytic reduction of nitro-aromatic compounds by a transfer reaction of hydrogen from alcohols to nitro-aromatic compounds, catalized by iridium complexes, and characterized in that a primary or secondary alcohol having the formula (I) or a glycol: EMI3.1 is ade to react with a nitro-aromatic compound having the formula (II) Ar--(NO )x (II) wherein: : R and R', also possibly linked to each other to form homo- and heterocycles, indifferently represent either a hydrogen atom or a possibly substituted hydrocarbyl group having up to 30 carbon atoms; Ar represents either an aryl or a hetero-aryl group, also substituted; x and y, equal or different from each other, are equal to 1 or 2, in the presence of a complex iridium catalyst chosen from among those having the formulae (III) and (IV): (Ir Chel (L-L))X and Ir Chel (L)2Y (III) (IV) wherein: : Chel represents a bivalent nitrogenous compound with a kelating action; L-L represents a molecule of a diolefine, preferably not conjugated; L represents a molecule of a mono-olefine; X' represents an anion chosen from among Cl-, Br', I-, Pie , BF4, C104-s B(C6H5)4 , OH-; EMI4.1 wherein R and R' have the significance already given above; Y represents a halogen, preferably Cl, Br or I; at a temperature comprised between about 20 C and the boiling temperature of the reaction mass occurs, preferably in an inert atmosphere and in the optional presence of mineral alkalis. As indicated above, the symbols R and R' represent a hydrogen atom or a hydrocarbyl group with up to 30 carbon atoms, also substituted with groups inert under reaction conditions. Groups of this type are for instance the esteric, amidic, alcoxylic, cyano, aminic groups. Analogously, the symbol Ar represents in particular an arylic or hetero-arylic group, possibly condensed, having at least 5 atoms in the carbon ring (arylic groups) or also hetero-atoms, chosen between N, S and 0 (hetero-arylic groups), as for instance the phenyl, naphtalene, anthracene, thienyl, furane, pyridine, quinoline groups, etc. Furthermore, there may be present in the Ar group herein above defined, also substituents inert under reaction conditions, chosen, from among those indicated above for the R and R' groups, and also, for instance, from among the alkyl, alkenyl, alkinyl groups, having preferably up to 4 carboy atoms. Thus, as nitro-aromatic starting compounds of formula (it), as defined above, may be used derivatives belonging to the benzenic, naphtalenic, anthracenic, thienylic, furanic, pirydinic, quinolinic, etc. classes. From the definition given for the nitro-aromatic compound (II), it appears evident that in case of y = 1, the compound itself may in particular be a derivative of the nitrous acid which for convenience, in the context of the description is comprised in what is defined as "nitro"-compounds. The reaction is usually carried out in the absence of real and proper solvents; either the alcohol of formula (I) or the glycol used in excess acts as a solvent. At any event, the reaction is compatible with the use of conventional inert solvents such as: toluene, benzene, methanol, H20 or terbutanol and in admixture with each other. The use of a solvent, as will be more clearly indicated hereinbelow, niay be particularly useful in the case where it is desired to obtain aryl-hydroxylamines or aryl-hydrozo compounds, by means of a partial hydrogenation of the starting nitro-compound (II), at stoichiometric doses of the alcohol donor. According to one particular aspect of this invention, the hydrogen transfer-reaction may, in fact, be adjusted in such a way as to obtain, starting from the aromatic nitro-compound (II) or substrate, besides the corresponding amino-derivative, by complete hydrogenation of group or groups NO or NO2 present, also the derivatives corresponding to the partial hydrogenation of the substrate itself, i.e., the corresponding aryl-hydroxylamines, aryl-hydrazo and aryl-azo derivatives, which may be substantially condisered intermediate compounds of the total hydrogenation reaction. The involved hydrogen-transfer reactions may be, in fact, shematically represented by the following equations: EMI5.1 EMI6.1 That is, according to a general scheme for the reactions (1, 2, 4, 5, 6): EMI6.2 In equation (10), R"' represents H, OH, or for x - 1, NHAr, while all the other symbols have the significance already indicated herein-above, and n = a whole number or integer from 1 to 4; p is a whole number chosen from among 1, 2, 3, 5; q is a whole number chosen from 1 and 2. Moreover, they have been formulated taking into consideration as a substrate an aromatic nitro-derivative (y t 2 and x = 1, in formula (it)), in equations (1), (2), (4), (5) and (6), and a nitrous-aromatic substrate (y = 1 and x ( 1, in formula (Il)),in equation (3). The whole of these above equations, considered together with equations (3), (8), and (9), quite clearly evidence that, depending on the substrate/alcohol donor molar ratios, it is possible to arrive at the corresponding partial hydrogenation derivatives (equations (2), (4), (5), (6), (7), (8) and (9), or at the total hydrogenation derivatives (equations (1), (3)), but also that the present invention may equally be applied for the hydrogenation of compounds such as: the azoxy-aryls (VII) and the azo-aryls (VIII), partial hydrogenation intermediates of the nitro-aromatic (Il) compounds, according to equations (8) and (9), respectively. To resume, through a suitable choice of the parameters involved, i.e. the molar ratios, the solvent, the quantities of alcohols, the catalyst, etc., it is possible, as will be more clearly indicated hereinunder, to direct the hydrogen transfer reaction in such a way as to obtain the desired hydrogenated derivative. The catalysts are optionally used in the presence, as indicated above, of small quantities of mineral alkali, preferably chosen from among: NaOH, KOH, LiOH, Ca(OH)2, and NaHCO3, in a molar ratio preferably comprised between, 0.1 an 200 with respect to one mole of catalyst. The choice of the optimal ratio of the mineral alkali with respect to the iridium (III) and (IV) catalyst used, is of considerable importance as concerns the electively directing of the hydrogen transfer towards the obtention of the desired aminic or hydrazo-product, etc. Such a choice, moreover, can be made depending on the nature of the starting substrate, the temperature, the molar ratios etc., adopted. Thus, in particular, in order to selectively obtain the reduction of aromatic nitro-derivatives (II) to the corresponding amines (reactions (1) and (3)), low operational values of the alkaline compound/catalyst molar ratio must be maintained, preferably comprised between 0.5:1 and about 1.5:1, and a substrate/catalyst molar ratio, preferably comprised between 5:1 and about 250:1. Analogously, if it is wished to obtain hydrazo-derivatives (VI) by selective reduction of the corresponding nitro-derivatives (it), of the azoxy- (VII) and of the azo-derivatives (VIII) (equations (4), (8), (9)), it is advisable to operate with high values of above-mentioned molar ratios, and preferably with a alkaline compouna/catalyst molar ratio coinprised between 10:1 and about 100:1, and with a substrate/catalyst molar ratio comprised between about 500:1 and 2000:1. From the hydrazo-derivatives, moreover, the azo-derivatives are obtainable by simple exposure to air. Lastly, in order to selectively obtain the reduction of nitroderivatives (II) to the corresponding aryl-hydroxylamines (V) (equations (2) and (6)), it is convenient to operate with low substrate/catalyst molar ratios, preferably at values comprised between about 50:1 and about 250:1, stopping the reaction as soon as the nitro-aromatic compound has been reduced, while the alkaline compound/catalyst ratio is comprised between 1:1 and about 10:1. Obviously, in these reactions the choice of the catalyst also has its influence, as will be more clearly explained herein-below. In this connection, in order to achieve a more correct dosage of the alcohol donor, it is adviseable to operate in a solvent medium different from the alcohol itself. As far as the catalysts are concerned, the iridium complexes used according to the invention have the formulae (III) and (IV), wherein, in particular, the kelating azotized bi-toothed compound (Chel) is preferably chosen from among: 2,2'-dipyridyl (dipy), 3,3'-dimethyl-2,2'-dipyridyl, 4,4'-dimethyl-2,2'-dipyridyl, 1-10-phenanthroline, 5,6-dimethyl-1,10- phenanthroline, 4,7-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline, 3,4,7,8-tetramethyl-1,10phenanthroline, 4,7-diphenyl-1,10- phenanthroline and sulphonated phenanthroline. ihe preferably non-conjugated diolefine (L-L) is chosen from among 1,5-hexadiene, norbornadiene and 1,5-cyclo-octadiene(cis-cis); the monoolefine (L) is the cyclooctene or ethylene, anion X- has already been defined. The following proved to be especially effective catalysts according to the present invention. Ir 3,4,7,8(CH3)4 phen (CH2=CH2)2Cl; Ir phen (CH2=CH2)2Cl . Ir 4,7(CH3)2 phen (CH2=CH2)2Cl; . Ir 4,4'(CH)2 dipy (CH2=CH2)2Cl; Ir 44'(C6H5)2 dipy (CH2=CH2)2Cl; Ir dipy (CH2=CH2)2Cl; . Ir 3,4,7,8(CH3)4 phen COD Cl; (Ir 3,4,7,8(CH)4 phen (1,5-hexadiene)) ClO4; . [Ir 4,7(CH3)2 phen (1,5-hexadiene)] ClO4; . [Ir phen (1,5-hexadiene)] ClO4; . [Ir 4,7(C6H5)2 phen (1,5-hexadiene)] ClO4; . (Ir 4,4'(CH3)2 dipy (1,5-hexadiene)) ClO4; , (Ir 4,4'(C6Hs)2 dipy (1,5-hexadiene)) C104; . [Ir dipy (1,5-hexadiene)] ClO4; wherein: "phen" stands for phenanthroline, "dipy" stands for 2,2'-dipyridyl, "COD" stands for 1,5-cyclooctadiene. More particularly, with reference to the obtainable products, particularly effective for the reduction of the aromatic (II) nitroderivatives to amines and hydrazo-derivatives (VI) have proved to be: Ir 3,4,7,8(CH3)4phen(CH=CH2)2Cl and (Ir-3,4,7,8(CH3)4phen (1,5-hexadiene)] ClO4; while for obtaining amines and aryl-hydroxylamines (V) the following proved to be particularly effective: Ir 4,4'(C6H5)2dipy (CH2=CH2)2Cl, Ir 4,4'(C6H5)2dipy(1,5-hediene)ClO4; Ir 4,7(C6H5)2phen(CH2=CH2)2Cl; Ir 4,7(C^H5)2phen(1,5-hexadiene)C104; in which: phen" stands for phenanthroline, "dipy" stanas for 2,2-dipyridyl. Furthermore, catalysts (III) and (IV) provide the maximum catalytic activity provided they are preliminarily subjected to activation through molecular hydrogen and subsequently submitted to reflux-heating. In any event, this is a question of a preferred but not indispensable procedure. The iridium complexes used as catalysts according to the present invention are in turn prepared according to the techniques known per se. For instance, the iridium complex having the formula: [Ir Chel (L-L))Cl of type (III), wherein the kelating substance is, for instance, 3,4,7,8-tetramethyl-1,10-phenanthroline and L-L is 1,5-cyclooctadiene (COD), may be prepared starting from a degassed solution of (IrCODCl)2 inmethylene chloride by the addition of the kelating agent in a slight excess and by successive precipitation with ethyl ether. The complex catalysts of the iridium of formula (IV) are likewise prepared according to substantially conventional techniques. For instance, the iridium complex of formula: Ir Chel(L)2Cl of type (IV), wherein 'L' is cyclooctene, is prepared starting from a degassed Ir(cyclooctene) Cl solution in benzene, solution which is then filtered in an inert gas atmosphere and the liquid filtrate is then additioned with an excess of monoolefine (cyclooctene) and then with the azotized kelating agent, precipitating the complexes as solid crystals which are then filtered. Furthermore, the catalyst may, according to the present invention, also be directly prepared 'in situ' in the reaction medium by the addition of the chosen kelating agent to the halogenated olefine complex of iridium. The catalyst according to this invention, is used in quantities that may vary within a wide range. Advantageous results are achieved with the use, for each mole of nitro-aromatic (II) compound, of quantities comprised between 1x10-2 and 1x10-4 moles of catalyst. The complex catalysts of the iridium of the invention are used in an optionally basic medium, as specified above, by the presence of mineral alkaline compounds. Suitable reaction means are preferably the alcoholic solutions constituted by the alcohol donor (I) or by the excess glycol which acts as a reaction medium. The reaction is conducted according to a molar ratio of the reactants varying within a wide range; practically optimal results are obtainable with values of the alcohol donor/nitro-aromatic acceptor compound molar ratio comprised between 1:1 and 200:1, the alcohol in excess being used as a solvent reaction medium. The reduction reaction, according to the present invention, is conducted under atmospheric pressure and preferably in an inert atmosphere such as nitrogen, argon, etc. Temperatures from 200C to about 200"C are possible up to the boiling point of the solution. Nitro-aromatic reducible compounds according to the present invention are, in particular, among the aromatic substances, nitro-benzene, nitro-toluene, nitro-anisol, nitroaniline, nitro-benzamide, nitrobenzonitrile, nitro-naphtalene, nitro-styrene, dinitro-benzene, dinitrotoluene, dinitro-aniline, dinitro-benzamide, dinitro-benzonitrile; among the hetero-aromatics, the nitro-pyridines, nitro-quinolines, etc. along with the corresponding nitrous-derivatives such as nitrous-benzene, etc., the corresponding aryl-azoxy and aryl-azo compounds, Thus, compounds (II) are also reducible which have more than one nitric function, which in such a case are preferably reduced using a ratio alkaline compound to a catalyst equal to about 1 and a substrate/ catalyst ratio lower than about 10. The isopropylic, ethylic, 2-butylic, cyclohexylic, benzylic, cyclopentylic, etc. alcohols proved to be effective alcohol donors. The product is then separated according to conventional techniques. Practically it concerns separating the solvent or alcohol possibly in excess by distillation, while the high-boiling fraction consists of the hydrogenated compound, generally in a quantitative way, etc. More particularly, the amines may thus be isolated after a preliminary filtering the solution under heat, possibly in an inert atmosphere, on animal carbon (coal) for the quantitative separation of the catalyst, by removal of the solvent under vacuum, etc. The hydrazo-derivatives, for instance hydrazo-benzene, may be obtained by additioning the end solution under heat, and possibly freed from the catalyst as indicated above, under an inert atmosphere, with deaerated water and by removing the solvent. The aryl-hydroxylamines are obtained by stopping the reaction with an excess of water. During cooling the crystals separate and are then filtered, etc. The catalyst may in its turn be recovered and recycled, for instance, treating with a solvent (dimethylformamide or dimethylacetamide) the animal carbon into which it is adsorbed by filtration of the reaction mass. By the addition of ether to the solution thus obtained, the catalyst will precipitate and be recycled after having been activated, etc. Or, alternatively, the final reaction solution, concentrated to a small volume, is diluted with ether until the catalyst begins to precipitate. Thereupon the suspension thus obtained is treated with neutral alumina, by which latter the catalyst remains adsorbed. The catalyst-containing alumina is then filtered, washed with ether and treated with the alcohol donor (isopropanol) and heated while the catalyst is thereafter recycled. According to an effective form of embodiment, in actual practice, one proceeds as follows. Into a reactor fitted with reactant-feeding systems and a heat stabilizing device, is introduced, under an inert atmosphere (nitrogen), the possible solvent and the alcohol donor and then the desired quantities of catalyst and the possible base, in a determined ratio. Thereafter one proceeds to the activation of the catalyst and, finally, the nitroaromatic (II) compound is added, possibly dissolved in alcohol in a pre-fixed ratio, under a nitrogen flow, heating the whole mass at the determined temperature and for the established time. At the end of the reaction, controlled for instance by gaschromatography, the separation of the product according to the Prior Art techniques is carried out. Due to the simple and mild operational conditions, the process is particularly convenient. A further advantage consists in the fact that it is possible to conduct the selective reduction of the nitro-aromatic (II) compounds also in the presence of olefinic links, an aspect that is of particular industrial interest. Moreover, the process according to this invention, due to the greater activity of the catalysts with respect to the hydrogen-transferring catalysts of the prior art, allows the obtention of high conversion rates, greater than 98%, in shorter times and with high substrate to catalyst ratios. In particular, they prove to be much more active and selective than the above-mentioned prior art catalysts, when using isopropanol as a hydrogen donor, and in general developing an activity comparable with that of the best reduction catalysts of the prior art. Moreover, these catalysts display a greater versatility with respect to the partial or total hydrogenation products and furthermore they are recoverable. The invention will now be described in further detail by the following examples, given by way of non-limitative illustration. Examples 43, 44 and 49 are given for by way of comparison with processes of the prior art. The symbols used therein are: phen = phenanthroline; "dipy" = 2,2'-dipyridyl; COD = 1,5-cyclooctadiene; ED = 1,5-hexadiene; S = substrate; C = catalyst; the ratios are expressed in moles. EXAMPLE 1 50 ml of isopropanol are made to reflux in a three-necked flask fitted with a reflux device and connected with an inert gas (argon) supply source. To the degassed solvent was then added the catalyst (11 mg of Ir 3,4,7,8(CH3)4phen(CH2=CH2)2C1, 2 x 10-5 moles) and, after 25 minutes, was added the desired quantity (1.12 nig) of KOH dissolved in 0.55 ml of H20. After 20 minutes was tnen added the substrate (0.25 ml of nitrobenzene, 2.4 x 10-3 moles) dissolved in deaerated isopropanol (1-2 ml) and heated to 650C. The substrate/catalyst ratio = 125, while KOH/catalyst = 1. The course of the reaction is followed through gas-chromatography realizing intermittent drawings. After 12 minutes aniline was obtained with a yield > 99%, calculated on the starting nitrobenzene. EXAMPLE 2 Operating proceeded as in example 1, but with adding 0.5 ml of nitrobenzene (4.88 x 10-3 moles). After 30 minutes an aniline was obtained with a yield greater than 99X. Ratios: Substrate/catalyst = 250; KOH/catalyst = 1. EXAMPLE 3 Operating proceeded as in example 1, but with adding 1 ml of nitrobenzene (9.7 x 10-3 moles). After 90 minutes, aniline was obtained with a yield greater than 99%. Ratios: S/C X 500; KOH/C g 1. EXAMPLE 4 Operating proceeded in the same way as in example 1, but with adding 2 nl of nltrobenzene (1.95 x 10-o moles). After 16 hours, an aniline was obtained with a yield greater than 99X. Ratios: S/C = 1000; KOH/C = 1. EXAMPLE 5 Operating proceeded as in example 1 and 11 mg of Ir-3,4,7,8(CH3)4 phen(CH2=CH2)2Cl (2 x 10-5 moles) were added in an argon flow to 50 ml of reflux-heated isopropanol. After 25 minutes were added to it 2.24 ing of KOH dissolved in 0.55 ml of H20. After 20 minutes 1 ml of nitrobenzene (9.76 x 10-3 moles) was added. After 45 minutes aniline was obtained with a yield of 90.7 and 9.3X of hydrazobenzene. Ratios: S/C = 500; KOH/C = 2. EXAMPLE 6 Operating proceeded as in example 5, and 5.60 mg of KOH were added. After 20 minutes a yield of 71.9% of aniline and 28.1% of hydrazobenzene were obtained. Ratios: S/C = 500; KOH/C = 5. EXAMPLE 7 Operating proceeded as in example 5, and 11.2 mg of KOH were added. After 15 minutes a yield of 53.1% of aniline and 46.9% of hydrazobenzene were obtained. Ratios: S/C = 500; KOH/C = 10. EXAMPLE 8 Operating proceeded as in example 1, and to 50 ml of refluxheated isopropanol were added 11 mg of Ir 3,4,7,8(CH3)4phen(CH2=CH2)2Cl (2 x 10-5 moles) in a flow of argon. After 25 minutes 11.2 mg of KOH were added. Thereupon 0.25 ml of nitrobenzene were added. After 10 minutes a yield of 96.3% of aniline and 3.7% of hydrazobenzene were obtained. Ratios: S/C = 125; KOH = 10. EXAMPLE 9 Operating proceeded as in example 8, and 0.5 ml of nitrobenzene (4.88 x 10-3 moles) were added. After 6 minutes a yield of 79.86 of aniline and of 20.2% of hydrazobenzene were obtained. Ratios: S/C = 250; KOH/C = 10. EXAMPLE 10 Operating proceeded as in example 8, and 2 ml of nitrobenzene (1.95 x 10-2 moles) were added. After 120 minutes a yield of 29.8% of aniline and of 70.2% of hydrazobenzene were obtained. Ratios: S/C = 1000; KOH/C = 10. EXAMPLE 11 Operating proceeded as in example 10, and 22.4 mg of KOH were addled. After 60 minutes yields of 18.8% for the aniline and 81.2% for the hydrazobenzene were obtained. Ratios: S/C = 1000; KOH/C = 20. EXAMPLE 12 Operating proceeded according to example 10, and 44.8 mg of KOH were added. After 60 minutes yields of respectively 13.7% and 86.3% for the aniline and the hydrazobenzene were obtained. Ratios: S/C = 1000; KOH/C = 40. EXAMPLE 13 Operating proceeded as in example 10, and 90 mg of KOH were added. After 60 minutes a yield of 11.7% of aniline and 88.3 D of hydrazobenzene were obtained. After exposure of the solution to air, 88.3% of azobenzene was obtained. Ratios: S/C = 1000; KOH/C = 80. EXAMPLE 14 Operating proceeded as in example 1, and to 50 ml of reflux-heated isopropanol, were added in an argon flow 11 mg of Ir 3,4,7,8(CH3)4phen (CH2=CH2)2Cl (2 x 10-s moles). After 25 minutes were admixed 11.2 mg of KOH dissolved in 0.55 ml of H20. To this solution were then admixed 1 ml of nitrobenzene (9.76 x 10-3 moles). After 15 minutes a yield of 53.1% of aniline and of 46.9; of hydrazobenzene were obtained. Ratios: S/C = 500; KOH/C = 10. EXAMPLE 15 Operating proceeded as in example 14, and using as a catalyst: Ir 4,7(CH3)2phen(CH2=CH2)2Cl, after 60 minutes a yield of 62.1% of aniline and one of 37.8X of hydrazobenzene were obtained. Ratios: S/C = 500; KOH/C = 10. EXAMPLE 16 Operating proceeded as in example 14, and using as a catalyst: Ir phen(CH2=CH2)2Cl, after 360 minutes a yield of 40% of aniline and of 60 of hyarazobenzene were obtained. Ratios: S/C = 500; KOH/C = 10. EXAMPLE 17 Operating proceeded as in example 14, and using as a catalyst: Ir 4,7(C6H,)2phen(CH2=CH2)2Cl, after 10 minutes a yield of 91.6¯ of aniline and of 8.4o* of hydrazobenzene were obtained. Ratios: S/C = 500; KOH/C = 10. EXAMPLE 18 Operating proceeded as in example 14, and using as a catalyst: Ir 4,4'(CH3)2dipy(CH2=CH2)2Cl, after 60 minutes a yield of 64.2% of aniline and of 33.8, of hydrazobenzene were obtained. Ratios: S/C = 500; KOH/C = 10. EXAMPLE 19 Operating proceeded as in example 14, and using as a Catalyst: Ir 4,4'(CeH5)2dipy(CH2=CHz)2Cl, after 30 minutes a yield of 88% of aniline and 12% of hydrazobenzene were obtained. Ratios: S/C = 500; KOH/C = 10. EXAMPLE 20 Operating proceeded as in example 17 and using as a catalyst 5.6 mg of KOH, after 20 minutes a yield of 93.5% of aniline and of 6.5% of hydrazobenzene were obtained. Ratios: S/C = 500; KOH/C = 5. EXAMPLE 21 Operating proceeded as in example 17 and using 2.24 mg of KOH, after 30 minutes a yield of 96.7% of aniline and of 3.3% of hydrazobenzene were obtained. Ratios: S/C = 500; KOH/C = 2. EXAMPLE 22 Operating as described in example 1, to 50 ml of reflux-heated isopropanol were added 10 mg of Ir 4,4'(C6H5)2dipy(CH2=CH2)2Cl (2 x 10-5 moles) in a flow of argon. After 25 minutes 5.6 mg of KOH were admixed and immediately afterwards 1 ml of nitrobenzene were added. After 30 minutes a yield of 96.5s of aniline and of 3.5% of hydrazobenzene were obtained. Ratios: S/C w 500; KOH/C w 5. EXAMPLE 23 Operating as described in example 22, and using 2.24 m of KOH, after 30 minutes a yield of 98% of aniline and of 2% of hydrazobenzene were obtained. Ratios: S/C = 500; KOH/C = 2. EXAMPLE 24 Operating as described in example 22 and using 1.12 mg of KOH, after 41 minutes a yield of 98.6% of aniline and of 1.4% of hydrazobenzene were obtained. Ratios: S/C = 500; KOH/C = 1. EXAMPLE 25 Proceeding as described in example 24 and using 2 ml of nitrobenzene, after 360 minutes a yield of 97.3% of aniline and of 2.7% of hydrazobenzene were obtained. Ratios: S/C = 1000; KOH/C = 1. EXAMPLE 26 Proceeding as described in example 1, to 50 ml of reflux-heated isopropanol were added in an argon flow 10 mg of Ir 4,4'(C6H5)2dipy (CH2= CH2)2C1 (2 x 10-s moles). After 25 minutes were added 0.56 mg of KOH in 0.5 ml of H20 and then were added 0.25 nil of nitrobenzene. After 1 hour, a yield greater than 99% of aniline was obtained. Ratios: S/C = 125; KOH/C = 0.5. EXAMPLE 27 (for obtaining phenylhydroxylamine) Proceeding as in example 1, to 50 ml of reflux-heated isopropanol were added, in an argon flow, 10 mg of Ir 4,4'(C6H5)2dipy(CH2=CH2)2Cl (2 x 10-s moles). After 25 minutes there were added 1.12 mg of KOH dissolved in 0.55 ml of water (H20) and immediately after it was admixed with 0.5 ml of nitrobenzene, carrying on the refluxing. After 3 minutes was obtained 100% conversion of the nitrobenzene to: 90% of phenylhydroxylamine and 10% of aniline. After 1 hour a yield of more than 99 of aniline was obtained. Ratios: S/C = 250; KOH/C = 1. EXAMPLE 28 Proceeding as in example 27 and using 0.25 ml of nitrobenzene, after 3 minutes was obtained a 100% conversion of the nitrobenzene to: > 90% of phenylhydroxylamine and to < 10% aniline. After 1 hour a yield of > 99% of aniline was obtained. Ratios: S/C = 125; KOH/C = 1. EXAMPLE 29 (reduction of azoxybenzene) Proceeding as described in example 1, to 50 ml of reflux-heated isopropanol were added in an argon flow 11 mg of Ir 3,4,7,8(CH3)4phen (CH2=CH2)2Cl (2 x 10-s moles). After 25 minutes were added 2.24 mg of KOH dissolved in 0.55 ml of H20 and then 1 g of azoxybenzene dissolved at 650C in a minimum quantity of isopropanol. After 10 minutes there was obtained a 100% conversion of the azoxybenzene to > 99 of hydrazobenzene. Ratios: S/C = 252; SOH/C = 2. EXAMPLE 30 (reduction of the azobenzene) Operating proceeded as in example 29, using 1 g of azobenzene. After 5 minutes a yield of > 99% of hydrazobenzene was obtained. Ratios: S/C = 274; KOH/C = 2. EXAMPLE 31 (reduction of azoxybenzene) Operating proceeded as in example 29, using as a catalyst: Ir 4,4'(C6H5)2dipy(CH2=CH2)2Cl- After 10 minutes there was obtained a 100% conversion of the azooxybenzene to > 99% of hydrazobenzene. Ratios: S/C = 252; KOH/C = 2. EXAMPLE 32 Proceeding as described in example 1, to 50 ml of reflux-heated isopropanol, were added 11 mg of Ir 3,4,7,8(CH3)4phen(CH2=CH2)2Cl (2 x 10-5 moles) in an argon current. After 25 minutes were added 1.12 mg of KOH dissolved in 0.55 ml of H20. To this solution there were then additioned 0.5 g of p-nitrotoluene (3.3 x 10-3 moles). After 10 minutes there was obtained a yield of more than 99% of p-aminotoluene. Ratios: S/C = 165; KOH/C = 1. EXAMPLE 33 Operating as described in example 32 and using 0.7 g of 2-nitronaphtalene, after 15 minutes there was obtained a yield equal to 99 of 2-aminonaphtalene. Ratios: S/C = 200; KOH/C = 1. EXAMPLE 34 Operating as described in example 32 and using 0.5 g of p-nitroanisol, after 10 minutes, there was obtained a yield > 99% of p-amino-anisol. Ratios: S/C = 163; KOH/C = 1. EXAMPLE 35 Operating as described in example 1, to 50 ml of isopropanol, reflux-heated, were added 22 mg of Ir 3,4,7,8(CH)4phen(CH2=CH2)2Cl (4 x 10-5 moles) in an argon flow. After 25 minutes 2.4 ing of KOH were added and subsequently 200 mg of 2,4-dinitrotoluene. After 30 minutes a yield of more than 99% of 2,4-diamino-toluene was obtained. Ratios: S/C = 5; KOH/C = 1. EXAMPLE 36 Operating proceeded as described in example 1, to 50 ml of a reflux-heated sec-butanol in an argon flow 11 mg of Ir 3,4,7,8(CH3)4 phen(CH2=CH2)2Cl were added. After 20 minutes 0.55 ml of H20 containing 1.12 mg of KOH were added. Thereupon 1 ml of nitrobenzene were added. After 120 minutes a yield of > 99,0 of aniline was obtained. Ratios: S/C = 500; KOH/C = 1. EXAMPLE 37 (recovery and recycling of the catalyst) The end solution obtained in example 36, after separation of the aniline, concentrated to a small volume by recovering the solvent and the alcohol donor, was diluted with ether until the beginning of the precipitation of the catalyst. The suspension thus obtained was then treated with neutral alumina. The catalyst was then adsorbed on the alumina and the catalystcontaining alumina was then filtered, washed with ether, treated with 50 ml of isopropanol and reflux-heated. Catalyst Ir 3,4,7,8(CH3)4phen(CH2=CH2)2Cl, recovered according to the above indicated procedure, was then treated with 1.5 mg of KOH and then with 0.25 ml of nitrobenzene (2nd production cycle). After 16 hours under refluxing, a yield of 70 of aniline and 30% of hydrazobenzene was obtained. EXAMPLE 38 (recovery and recycling of catalyst) The Ir 4,7(C6H5)2phen(CH2=CH2)2Cl catalyst, recovered from example 17 according to the general procedure of example 37, was treated with 5 mg of KOH and then with 0.25 ml of nitrobenzene. After 6 hours a yield of 47% of aniline and of 53% of hydrazobenzene was obtained. EXAMPLE 39 (use of oxidized catalyst) 11 mg of Ir 3,4,7,8(CH3)4phen COD Cl were dissolved in 50 ml of isopropanol and oxidized in air at room temperature for 12 hours. Operating then proceeded as described in example 1. To the degassed and refluxheated solution were added 1.12 mg of KOH dissolved in 0.6 mg of H20. After 30 minutes ] fill of nitrobenzene was then added. After 8 hours a yield of 91% of aniline and 9 of hydrazobenzene was obtained. Ratios: S/C = 500; '(OH/C = 1. EXAMPLE 40 Operating proceeded as in example 39, and 11.3 mg of Ir 4,4'(C5H5)2 dipy(CH2=CH2)2Cl were used. After 30 minutes a yield equal to 98.2% of aniline and 1.8% of hydrazobenzene was obtained. Ratios: S/C = 500; KOH/C = 1. EXAMPLE 41 (reduction of nitrobenzene in the absence of KOH) To 50 ml of a reflux-heated cyclo-pentanol-H20 (3% H20) were added in an atmosphere of argon gas, 11 mg of Ir 3,4,7,8(CH3)4phen (CH2=CH2)Cl (2 x 10-s moles). Then, operating as described in example 1, 0.25 il of nitrobenzene were added. After 2 hours a yield equal to 7% of aniline was obtained. EXAMPLE 42 Operating proceeded as described in example 41, and as catalyst Ir 4,4'(C6H5)2dipy(CH2=CH2)2Cl was used. After 4 hours a yield of 11.2 of aniline was obtained. EXAMPLES 43 AND 44 (for comparison) Operating proceeded as described in example 1, the reduction of nitrobenzene, by using Ir 3,4,7,8(CH3)4phen(CH2=CH2)2Cl as a catalyst, according to ratios indicated in example 2, and by the subsequent substitution of the preceding catalyst with catalyst RhCl[P(C6H5)2]2 Of the prior art, at the optimal condition therein indicated, led to the following results as recorded on the table herein-under. TABLE EMI20.1 <tb> <SEP> Alcohol <SEP> Ratio <SEP> Tempe- <SEP> % <tb> <SEP> Catalyst <SEP> donor <SEP> S/cat. <SEP> rature <SEP> conver- <SEP> Aniline <SEP> Time <tb> <SEP> 0C <SEP> sion <tb> CH3 <SEP> j/H <SEP> H <tb> <SEP> RhCl <SEP> (P(C6H5)333 <SEP> 3 <SEP> ' <SEP> CH3xCuoil <SEP> 10 <SEP> 180 <SEP> 100 <SEP> 80 <SEP> 2 <SEP> hrs <tb> <SEP> 10 <SEP> 180 <SEP> 0H <tb> <SEP> CH3 <SEP> H <tb> <SEP> \/ <tb> Ir <SEP> 3,4,7,8(CH3)4phen- <SEP> \ <SEP> C <SEP> 250 <SEP> 83 <SEP> a99 <SEP> > 99 <SEP> 30 <SEP> min <tb> -(CH2sCH2)2cl <SEP> CH3 <SEP> oit <tb> EXAMPLE 45 Into a three-necked flask with a refluxing device, were placed refluxing 50 nil of isopropanol, the refluxing device being connected with a flow of an inert gas (argon). To the deaerated or degassed solvent the catalyst (12 mg of (Ir 3,4,7,8(CH3)4phen ED)ClO4, 2 x 10-s moles) (ED = 1,5-hexadiene) was added. The solution was then saturated with hydrogen and after 10 minutes the saturated solution was reflux heated. Thereupon it was admixed with the desired quantity (1.12 mg) of KOH dissolved in 0.55 ml of H20. After 15 minutes was then added the substrate (0.50 ml of nitrobenzene, 4.88 x 10-3 moles) dissolved in deaerated isopropanol (1-2 ml) where after it was heated to 65"C. Ratios: S/C = 250; KOH/C = 1. The course of the reaction was followed through gaschromatography, taking drawings at established time intervals. After 15 minutes aniline was obtained with a yield of > 99%, calculated on the starting nitrobenzene. EXAMPLE 46 Operating proceeded as described in example 45, adding 1 ml of nitrobenzene (9.76 x 10-3 moles). After 30 minutes aniline with a yield of 98.5% was obtained. Ratios: S/C = 500; KOH/C = 1. EXAMPLE 47 Operating proceeded as in example 45, but by adding 2 ml of nitrobenzene (1.95 x 10-2 moles). After 180 minutes aniline with a yield of 98.5% was obtained. Ratios: S/C = 1.000; KOH/C = 1. EXAMPLE 48 Operating proceeded as described in example 45, but adding 1 X 10-5 moles of (Ir 3,4,7,8(CH3)4phen ED)ClO4 and 0.5 g of p-nitrotoluene (3.65 x 10-3moles). After 15 minutes there was obtained p-toluidine with a yield of > 99X. Ratios: S/C = 360; KOH/C = 1. When successively substituting the preceding catalyst with RhCl(P(C6H5)3}3 of the prior art, 1% of p-toluidine was obtained after 15 minutes. EXAMPLE 49 Operating proceeded as in example 48, but by adding 1 g of p-nitrotolue e (7.3 x 10-3 moles). After 20 minutes p-toluidine with a yield of > 99X was obtained. Ratios: S/C = 730; KOH/C = 1. EXAMPLE 50 Operating proceeded as described in example 48, but by adding 2.78 g of p-nitrotoluene (2 x 10-2 moles). After 120 minutes p-toluidine with a yield of > 99% was obtained. Ratios: S/C = 2.000; KOH/C = 1. EXAMPLE 51 Operating proceeded as described in example 50, using 89.6 g of KOH. After 30 minutes 75% of p,p'-hydrazotoluene was obtained. Ratios: S/C = 2.000; KOH/cat. = 80.

Claims: CLAIMS 1.- Process for the catalytic reduction of nitro-aromatic compounds through the transfer of hydrogen from alcohols to nitro-aromatic compounds, said reduction being catalized by complexes of iridium, characterized in that a primary or secondary alcohol having the formula (I) or a glycol: EMI23.1 is made to react with a nitro-aromatic compound having the formula (II): Ar(NOy)x (II) wherein: : Rand R', possibly linked to each other according to homo- or hetero cycles, represent indifferently either a hydrogen atom or a hydro carbylic group having up to 30 carbon atoms, possibly substituted; Ar represents either an aryl or hetero-aryl group, possibly substituted with inert groups; x and y, either equal or different from each other, represent an integer chosen from 1 to 2, in the presence of a complexed iridium catalyst chosen from among the catalysts having formulae (III) and (IV): : (Ir Chel (L-L))X and Ir Chel (L)2? (III) (IV) Chel represents a kelating bi-toothed nitrogeneous compound; L-L represents a diolefine molecule, preferably non conjugated; L represents a monoolefine molecule; X' represents an anion chosen from among Cl-, Br-, I-, PF6 , BF4-, ClO4-, B(C6H5)4-, OH-, EMI23.2 wherein R and R' have the significance already given to them; Y is a halogen, preferably Cl, Br or I; and, optionally, in the presence of a compound chosen from mineral alkaline compounds at a temperature comprised between about 20"C and the boiling temperature of the reaction mass. 2.- Process according to claim 1, characterized in that the mineral alkaline compound is chosen from among NaOH, KOH, LiOH, Ca(OH)2, NaHCO3, according to a molar ratio with respect to the catalyst comprised between 0.1 and 200 moles per 1 mole of catalyst. 3.- Process according to claim 1, characterized in that the primary or secondary alcohol of formula (I) defined in said claim, or the glycol, is substituted with groups inert at reaction conditions, preferably chosen from among the esteric, amidic, alcoxylic, aminic and cyano-groups. 4.- Process according to claim 1, characterized in that the nitroaromatic compound having the formula (II) therein defined consists of a nitro-compound derived from nitrous or nitric acid respectively for y = 1 or 2, in formula (II), chosen from among the benzenic, naphtalenic, anthracenic, thienylic, furanic, pyridinic, quinolinic compounds, possibly substituted with groups inert under reaction conditions, preferably chosen from among the esteric, amidic, alcoxylic, aminic and cyano-groups and among alkylic, alkenylic and alkinic groups having up to 4 carbon atoms. 5.- Process according to claim 1, characterized in that said process is conducted in a medium chosen between the alcohol or glycol donor in excess and a compound chosen from among toluene, benzene, methanol, water and terbutanol, also in admixture with each other, preferably in the alcohol or glycol donor. 6.- Process according to claim 1, characterized in that the catalysts of formulae (III) and (IV) defined in said claim, are activated by means of molecular hydrogen and by the successive reflux heating in the reaction medium. 7.- Process according to claim 1, characterized in that the kelating nitrogenous compound is chosen from among 2,2'-dipyridyl, 3,3'-dimethyl-2,2'-dipyridyl, 4,4'-dimethyl-2,2'-dipyridyl, 1,10-phenanthroline, 5,6-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline, 4,7 dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline, 3,4,7,8-tetramethyl-1,10-phenanthroline, 4,7-diphenyl-1,10- phenanthroline, the sulphonated phenanthrolines. 8.- Process according to claim 1, characterized in that the non-conjugated diolefine is preferably chosen from among 1,5-hexadiene, norbornadiene, 1,5-cyclooctadiene, and the mono-olefine is preferably chosen between cyclooctene and ethylene. 9.- Process according to claim 1, characterized in that for 1 mole of nitro-aromatic (II) compound there are used from 1 X 10-2 to 1 x 10-4 moles of catalyst. 10.- Process according to claim 1, characterized in that the complexed iridium catalyst is prepared 'in situ' in the reaction medium by the addition of the kelating compound to the halogenated olefinic iridium complex. 11.- Process according to claim 1, characterized in that the molar ratio of the reactants alcohol or glycol donor/nitro-aromatic (II) compound is comprised between 1:1 and about 200:1. 12.- Process according to claim 1, characterized in that said process is conducted at a temperature comprised between about 200 and about 2000C, up to the boiling point of the reaction mass. 13.- Process according to claim 1, characterized in that the said process is conducted at atmospheric pressure in an inert atmosphere, preferably chosen between nitrogen or argon. 14.- Process according to claim 1, characterized in that the nitro-aromatic (II) compound therein defined is chosen from among: nitrobenzene, nitro-toluene, nitro-anisol, nitro-aniline, nitro-benzamide, nitro-benzonitrile, nitro-naphtalene, nitro-styrene, dinitro-benzene, dinitro-toluene, dinitro-aniline, dinitro-benzamide, dinitro-benzonitrile, nitro-pyridines, nitro-quinolines, nitroso-benzene. 15.- Process according to claim 1, characterized in that the alcohol donor is chosen from among: isopropylic, ethylic, 2-butylic, benzylic, cyclohexylic and cyclopentylic alcohol. 16.- Process according to claim 1, characterized in that the catalyst of either formula (III) or (IV) therein defined, is chosen from among: Ir 3,4,7,8(CH3)phen(CH2=CH);Cl; . Ir 4,7(CH3)2phen(CH2=CH2)2Cl; . Ir phen(CH2=CH2)2Cl; . Ir 4,7(C6H5)2phen(CH2=CH2)2Cl; . Ir 4,4'(CH3)2dipy(CH2=CH2)2Cl; . Ir 4,4'(C6H5)2dipy(CH2=CH2)2Cl; . Ir (C6H5)2dipy(CH2=CH2)2Cl; Ir dipy(CH2=CH2)2Cl; , Ir 3,4,7,8(CH3)4phen COD Cl; . [Ir 3,4,7,8(CH3)4phen(1,5-hexadiene)]ClO4; . [Ir 4,7(CH3)2phen(1,5-hexadiene)]ClO4; fir phen(1,5-hexadiene)) Cl 0; . [Ir 4,7(C6H5)2phen(1,5-hexadiene)]ClO4; . [Ir 4,4'(CH3)2dipy(1,5-hexadiene)]ClO4; . [Ir 4,4'(C6H5)2dipy(1,5-hexadiene)]ClO4; . [Ir dipy(1,5-hexadiene)]ClO4; wherein: "phen" stands for phenanthroline; "dipy" for 2,2'-dipyridyl; "COD" for 1,5-cyclooctadiene. 17.- Process according to claim 1, characterized in that as starting aromatic compound is used a derivative from the partial hydrogenation of the nitro-aromatic compounds of formula (II) therein defined, chosen from among the azoxy- and the azo-derivatives of the same. 18.- Process according to claim 1, characterized in that the nitro-aromatic compound of formula (II) therein defined is selectively reduced to tne corresponding amine using a molar ratio of alkaline compound/catalyst comprised between 0.5:1 and about 1.5:1, and a molar ratio nitro-aromatic compound (II)/catalyst comprised between about 5:1 and about 250:1. 19.- Process according to claim 1, characterized in that the nitro-aromatic compound of formula (II) therein defined is selectively reduced to the corresponding hydrazo-derivative, using a molar ratio alkaline coipound/catalyst comprised between about 10:1 and 100:1, and a molar ratio nitro-aromatic (II) compound/catalyst comprised between about 500:1 and 2000:1. 20.- Process according to claim 1, characterized in that the nitro-aromatic compound of formula (II) therein defined is selectively reduced to the corresponding hydroxylamine derivative, using a nitroaromatic (II) compound/catalyst molar ratio comprised between about 50:1 and about 250:1, and an alkaline compound/catalyst molar ratio comprised between about 1:1 and about 10:1, and by blocking the reaction at the desired stage. 21.- Process according to claims 18 and 19, characterized in that the reduction of the nitro-aromatic (II) compounds to the corresponding amino- and hydrazo-derivatives, is preferably carried out in the presence of a catalyst of either formula (IV) or (III), as defined in claim 1, and chosen from between: Ir 3,4,7,8(CHs)4phen(CH2=CH2)2Cl and (Ir 3,4,7,8(CH3)4phen (1,5-hexadiene))Cl0 wherein "phen" stands for phenanthroline. 22.- Process according to claims 18 and 20, characterized in that the reduction of the nitro-aromatic (I1) compounds to the corresponding anino- and hyaroxylamino-derivatives is preferably carried out in the presence of a catalyst of either formula (III) or (IV), defined in claim 1, chosen from among: . Ir 4,4'(C0H)2dipy(CH2=CH2)Cl; . Ir 4,7(C6H5)2phen(CH2=CH2)Cl; . Ir 4,4'(C6H5)2dipy(1,5-hexadiene)ClO4; Ir 4,7(C6Hs)2phen(1,5-hexadiene)ClO4; wherein: "dipy" stands for 2,2'-dipyridyl; and, "phen" stands for phenanthroline. 23.- Process according to claim 1, characterized in that for x = 2 in formula (II) of the therein defined nitro-aromatic compound, the reduction reaction is conducted using an alkaline compound/catalyst molar ratio equal to about 1:1 and a substrate/catalyst molar ratio below about 10. 24.- Process for the catalytic reduction of nitro-aromatic compounds as herein above described and examplified. 25.- Aryl-amine, aryl-hydroxylamine, aryl-hydrazo, aryl-azo, compounds, derived from nitro-aromatic compounds or from their derivatives of partial hydrogenation and from alcohols when obtained according to the process herein above described and claimed.

Inventors: CAMUS, ANNAMARIA, DEL BIANCO, CLORINDA, MESTRONI, GIOVANNI, ZASSINOVICH, GRAZIA
Applicants: MONTEDISON S.P.A.
Application year: 1983
Main classification: C07C85
IPC codes: B01J31, C07C211, C07C241, C07C201, C07C67, C07C217, C07C239, C07C291, C07C213, C07C243, C07B61, C07C209, C07C207