N-(1,3-Dimethylbutl)-Ni-Phenyl-P-Phenylenediamine Via a Novel 4-Nitrodiphenylamine AND 4-Nitrosodiphenylamine

In November 1992, Monsanto researchers reported a novel process for preparing aromatic amines, or, more specifically, 4-nitrodiphenylamine and 4-nitrosodiphenylamine, starting with aniline and nitrobenzene. The process does not use halogenated chemicals, and it can be environmentally more attractive than present processes. 4-Nitrodiphenylamine and 4-nitrosodiphenylamine are used as intermediates for the production of antioxidant additives for rubber products. This preliminary study reviews the novel process for 4-nitrodiphenylamine and 4-nitrosodiphenylamine and estimates the cost of producing N-(1,3-dimethylbutyl)-Ni-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine, an antidegradant for rubber, via this novel 4-nitrodiphenylamine and 4-nitrosodiphenylamine process. From data presented in a patent, we prepared an economic estimate for the production of N-(1,3-dimethylbutyl)- Ni-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine at 10 million lb/yr (4,500 t/yr).