One-step synthesis of N -methylaniline by hydroalkylation of nitrobenzene over oxide catalysts

The reaction of nitrobenzene hydroalkylation with methanol forming N -methylaniline as the main product has been studied. Alumina modified with copper and chromium compounds deposited by incipient wetness impregnation has been examined as the catalyst. It has been shown that the reductive alkylation of nitrobenzene with methanol is preferable to conduct at a temperature of 250°C, a feed weight hourly space velocity of 1 to 2 h −1 , a methanol: nitrobenzene molar ratio of 3 to 4, and hydrogen: nitrobenzene molar ratio of 3–6. It has been found that promotion of the copper-containing catalyst with chromium leads to enhancement of the catalyst activity and facilitates an increase in selectivity for N -methylaniline.