Process for producing aromatic amines by reduction of aromatic nitro compounds

摘要

A process for producing an aromatic amine under moderate conditions is provided wherein a catalyst higher in activity than conventional catalysts is used. Reduction of an aromatic nitro compound under a CO/H. sub.2 O system is conducted using a rhodium compound catalyst in the presence of an aqueous alkali solution such as aqueous sodium hydroxide solution. Alternatively, an aromatic nitro compound is reduced under a CO/H.sub.2 O system using a rhodium compound or a ruthenium compound catalyst in the presence of the aqueous alkali solution and additionally at least one compound of amine compounds, diamine compounds, phosphine compounds, phosphite compounds, and diphosphine compounds.