| abstract |
An improved process for the preparation of asymmetrical N-phenyl-N'-substituted para-phenylene diamines by the reductive alkylation of para-nitroso-diphenylhydroxylamine with an aldehyde or a ketone in the presence of hydrogen and a hydrogenation catalyst is disclosed. The improvement comprises utilizing as the hydrogenation catalyst (1) one member selected the group consisting of palladium and platinum sulfide, in an amount less than 1%, by weight, based on the weight of para-nitroso-diphenylhydroxylamine, and (2) activated carbon with a specific surface area of at least 700 square meters per gram and an ash content of less than 7.5%, by weight. |