Flexsys America L.p.

Antonio L DeVera

Roger Keranan Rains

This invention provides a composition suitable for use in a reaction zone where aniline is reacted with nitrobenzene to obtain intermediates of 4-aminodiphenylamine comprising a solid support having interior channels with base material employed in the reaction loaded into the channels. The cross-sectional dimensions of the channels are such as to provide a restricted transition state with regard to the reaction and to improve the selectivity of the reaction in favor of the intermediates. The invention also provides a method for loading the base material in the solid support. The invention further provides a process for carrying out the above reaction using the above composition.

Zeolite support loaded with a base material for use in the coupling of aniline and nitrobenzene

This invention provides a method for preparing 4-ADPA by charging nitrobenzene into a reaction zone under hydrogen pressure in the presence of a strong organic base and a catalyst for hydrogenation. The method provides the convenience and economy of a one-step process, while producing improved yields and selectivities. The invention further provides for various embodiments of the foregoing which are suitable for the production of 4-ADPA, and the hydrogenation or reductive alkylation to produce PPD. Important to the invention are the molar ratios of aniline to nitrobenzene and nitrobenzene to the strong organic base and the choice and use of hydrogenation catalyst.

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Avon, OH, United States of America

Antonio L DeVera