| abstract |
The invention relates to a novel process for the preparation of the nucleus-alkylated anilines of the general formula wherein R 1 is an alkyl group having 1-4 carbon atoms and R 2 is hydrogen or an alkyl group having 1-4 carbon atoms by heterogeneous catalytic isomerization of N -Alkylanilines of the general formula * According to the invention, the isomerization is carried out in the presence of an acidic zeolite catalyst, at 20-100 bar pressure and a temperature of 300-450C in a hydrogen and / or inert gas atmosphere, wherein a volume velocity of 0.10-1, 5 dm3 of liquid is maintained at 1 dm3 of catalyst per hour. Formula (I) |