Preparation of Aniline

Aniline is a versatile aromatic organic compound which can be synthesis by various methods. Some of the methods of preparation of aniline are mentioned below:

Preparation of Aniline by Reduction of Nitrobenzene

Process: In this method nitrobenzene (C₆H₅NO₂) is converted into aniline(C₆H₅NH₂) with the help of reducing agent by removing nitro group (-NO₂) and replacing it with amino group (NH₂).

Common reagents: Iron filings in acidic medium, catalytic hydrogenation with metal catalysts like platinum or palladium.

Reaction:

C₆H₅NO₂ + 6HCl + 3Fe → C₆H₅NH₂ + 3FeCl₂ + 2H₂O

Advantages: Simple and economical, widely used in industry.

Disadvantages: Requires strong reducing agents and it can also generate byproducts.

Preparation of Aniline by Ammonolysis of Haloarenes

Process: In this method halogen atom (Cl, Br, I) form haloarene (C₆H₅X) are replaced with an amino group (-NH₂) using ammonia (NH₃).

Common reagents: Ammonia in the presence of copper catalysts.

Reaction:

C₆H₅Br + NH₃ → C₆H₅NH₂ + HBr

Advantages: Can be used for various starting materials, suitable for producing specific substituted anilines.

Disadvantages: Requires high temperatures and pressures, it can also generate undesired byproducts.

Anilines are organic aromatic compounds that are derived from benzene with an amino group (NH₂) joined to it. Because of its reactivity and structure, it plays a crucial role in the making of various industrial chemicals, which increases the use of aniline in pharmaceuticals, dyes, and other places in modern chemistry.