| abstract |
A process for the hydrogenation of nitrobenzene to aniline is described wherein the nitrobenzene is contacted with hydrogen in the presence of a multi-component supported catalyst containing 1 to 20 grams of noble metal per liter of support and 1 to 20 grams per liter of support of one or more transition metal of the Groups IVa, Va, or VIa of the Periodic Table. The catalyst can contain 1 to 20 grams per liter of support of a further transition group element or of a member of the main group. The catalyst is one which has been prepared by a process involving pretreatment of the support with a base prior to impregnation with the catalytically active substances, followed by drying to a residual moisture content of less than 10 percent of the maximum absorbency of the support. |