Process for preparing substituted aromatic amines

Abstract

A process for preparing substituted aromatic amines is provided which comprises contacting a substituted aromatic azo compound and an alcohol selected from the group consisting of aliphatic alcohols, cycloaliphatic alcohols, arylalkyl alcohols and mixtures thereof in the presence of a suitable base at a temperature of about 70.degree. C. to about 200.degree. C. In another embodiment, the substituted aromatic amines of the invention are reductively alkylated to produce alkylated diamines or substituted derivatives thereof.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to the production of substituted aromatic amines. In another aspect, this invention relates to the production of 4-aminodiphenylamine (4-ADPA) or substituted derivatives thereof. In another aspect, this invention relates to the preparation of alkylated p-phenylenediamines or substituted derivatives thereof useful as antioxidants from the substituted aromatic amines, such as 4-ADPA or substituted derivatives thereof.

It is known to prepare substituted aromatic amines by way of a nucleophilic aromatic substitution mechanism wherein an amino functional nucleophile replaces halide. For example, it is known to prepare 4-ADPA by way of a nucleophilic aromatic substitution mechanism, wherein an aniline derivative replaces halide. This method involves preparation of a 4-ADPA intermediate, namely 4-nitrodiphenylamine (4-NDPA) followed by reduction of the nitro moiety. The 4-NDPA is prepared by reacting p-chloronitrobenzene with an aniline derivative, such as formanilide or an alkali metal salt thereof, in the presence of an acid acceptor or neutralizing agent, such as potassium carbonate, and, optionally, utilizing a catalyst. See, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,187,248; 4,683,332; 4,155,936; 4,670,595; 4,122,118; 4,614,817; 4,209,463; 4,196,146; 4,187,249; 4,140,716. This method is disadvantageous in that the halide that is displaced is corrosive to the reactors and appears in the waste stream and must therefore be disposed of at considerable expense. Furthermore, use of an aniline derivative such as formanilide, and use of p-chloronitrobenzene, requires additional manufacturing equipment and capabilities to produce such starting materials from aniline and nitrobenzene, respectively.

It is also known to prepare 4-ADPA from the head-to-tail coupling of aniline. See, for example, G.B. 1,440,767 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,760,186. This method is disadvantageous in that the yield of 4-ADPA is not acceptable for a commercial process. It is also known to decarboxylate a urethane to produce 4-NDPA. See U.S. Pat. No. 3,847,990. However, such method is not commercially practical in terms of cost and yield.

It is known to prepare 4-ADPA by hydrogenating p-nitrosodiphenylhydroxylamine which can be prepared by catalytic dimerization of nitrosobenzene utilizing, as a reducing agent, aliphatic compounds, benzene, naphthalene or ethylenically unsaturated compounds. See, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,178,315 and 4,404,401. It is also known to prepare p-nitrosodiphenylamine from diphenylamine and an alkyl nitrate in the presence of excess hydrogen chloride. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,518,803 and 4,479,008.

Aromatic amide bonds are currently formed by the reaction of an amine with an acid chloride. This method of forming aromatic amide bonds is also disadvantageous in that chloride is displaced which is corrosive to the reactors, and appears in the waste stream from which it must be removed at considerable expense. A nonhalide process which produces aromatic amide bonds in the substituted aromatic amines would eliminate these problems.

The process of the invention is a nonhalide process for preparing substituted aromatic amines and therefore eliminates the expensive halide removal from the waste stream as well as corrosion problems caused by the halide. In addition, substituted aromatic amines containing aromatic amide bonds can be prepared by the process of the invention. Furthermore, the process of the invention is more economical than current commercial routes and is simpler in that, in one embodiment, substituted aromatic amines, such as 4-ADPA or substituted derivatives thereof, are produced directly without the need of a separate hydrogenation step.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the invention to provide a process for producing substituted aromatic amines for use in preparing alkylated p-phenylenediamines or substituted derivatives thereof. It is a further object of the invention to provide a process for producing 4-ADPA or substituted derivatives thereof for use in preparing alkylated p-phenylenediamines or substituted derivatives thereof. It is a still further object of the invention to provide an efficient and economic process to produce 4-ADPA or substituted derivatives thereof and alkylated p-phenylenediamines that is commercially viable. It is yet a further object of the invention to provide a process for producing alkylated p-phenylenediamines or substituted derivatives thereof for use as antioxidants and antiozonants.

According to the invention, a process for preparing a substituted aromatic amine is provided which comprises contacting a substituted aromatic azo compound or azoxy or hydrazo derivatives thereof with an alcohol selected from the group consisting of aliphatic alcohols, cycloaliphatic alcohols, arylalkyl alcohols and mixtures thereof in the presence of a suitable base at a temperature of about 70.degree. C. to about 200.degree. C.

In one embodiment, a process for preparing 4-aminodiphenylamine or substituted derivatives thereof is provided which comprises contacting 4-(phenylazo)diphenylamine or substituted derivatives thereof with an alcohol selected from the group consisting of aliphatic alcohols, cycloaliphatic alcohols, arylalkyl alcohols and mixtures thereof in the presence of a suitable base at a temperature of about 70.degree. C. to about 200.degree. C.

Further according to the invention, a process for preparing alkylated p-phenylenediamines or substituted derivatives thereof is provided which comprises reductively alkylating the substituted aromatic amines prepared according to the invention.

Further according to the invention, a process for preparing substituted aromatic amines is provided which comprises reacting the substituted aromatic amine which contains an aromatic amide bond with ammonia under conditions which produce the corresponding substituted aromatic amine and an amide.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a process for preparing a substituted aromatic amine comprising:

(a) contacting a substituted aromatic azo compound or azoxy or hydrazo derivatives thereof with an alcohol selected from the group consisting of aliphatic alcohols, cycloaliphatic alcohols, arylalkyl alcohols and mixtures thereof in the presence of a suitable base at a temperature of about 70.degree. C. to about 200.degree. C., wherein the substituted aromatic azo compound is selected from the group consisting of compounds represented by the formula: ##STR1## compounds represented by the formula: ##STR2## compounds represented by the formula: ##STR3## and mixtures thereof, wherein R--NH-- represents a substituent derived from a compound selected from the group consisting of aniline, substituted aniline derivatives, aliphatic amines, substituted aliphatic amine derivatives and amides, R.sub.1 is an aromatic group, R.sub.2 is selected from the group consisting of aliphatic and aromatic groups, and X and Y are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halides, --NO.sub.2, --NH.sub.2, aryl groups, alkyl groups, alkoxy groups, sulfonate groups, --SO.sub.3 H, --OH, --COH, --COOH, and alkyl, aryl, arylalkyl or alkylaryl groups containing at least one --NH.sub.2 group, wherein halides are selected from the group consisting of chlorine, bromine and fluorine and R.sub.2 is an aromatic group in substituted aromatic azo compounds (II) and (III). The substituted aromatic azo compounds of (I), (II) and (III) also include azoxy or hydrazo derivatives thereof. Sulfonate groups, as used herein, are the esters of sulfonic acids. Examples of sulfonates include, but are not limited to, alkyl sulfonates, aralkyl sulfonates, aryl sulfonates, and the like.

For producing alkylated p-phenylenediamines or substituted derivatives thereof, the process of the invention further comprises:

(b) reductively alkylating the substituted aromatic amines.

For producing substituted aromatic amines when R--NH-- is derived from an amide, the process of the invention further comprises:

(b') reacting the substituted aromatic amine with ammonia under conditions which produce the corresponding substituted aromatic amine and amide.

For example, when the substituted aromatic amine N-(4-aminophenyl)benzamide is reacted with ammonia, the resulting products are the corresponding substituted aromatic amine 1,4-phenylenediamine and benzamide.

Alcohols utilized in the present invention can be primary, secondary or tertiary alcohols selected from the group consisting of aliphatic alcohols, cycloaliphatic alcohols, arylalkyl alcohols and mixtures thereof. As used herein, the "aliphatic" groups of aliphatic alcohols are defined as linear or branched hydrocarbon groups selected from alkyl, alkenyl or alkynyl groups having 1 to about 22 carbon atoms, preferably 1 to about 12 carbon atoms. As used herein, "cycloaliphatic" groups of cycloaliphatic alcohols are defined as alicyclic groups selected from cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl or cycloalkynyl groups having 3 to about 12 carbon atoms, preferably 3 to about 8 carbon atoms. As used herein, "arylalkyl" groups of arylalkyl alcohols are defined as aryl substituted alkyl groups having 7 to about 22 carbon atoms, preferably 7 to about 16 carbon atoms. The preferred aryl substituents of the arylalkyl groups are phenyl and naphthyl.

Examples of suitable alcohols include, but are not limited to, isopropanol, isoamyl alcohol, 3-methyl-2-buten-1-ol, n-butanol, sec-butanol, tert-butanol, 1,3-dimethylbutanol, n-octanol, cyclopropanol, cyclohexanol, 2-cyclohexen-1-ol, cyclooctanol, benzyl alcohol, 1-phenyl-2-butanol, 6-phenyl-l-hexanol, 2-(1-naphthyl)ethanol, and the like and mixtures thereof.

In the preparation of substituted aromatic amines by the process of the invention in which an alcohol is contacted with a substituted aromatic azo compound, the molar ratio of alcohol to substituted aromatic azo compound can vary from a large access of substituted aromatic azo compound to a large access of alcohol such that either the alcohol or the substituted aromatic azo compound can serve as the solvent for the reaction. Preferably, the reaction is conducted utilizing an excess of an alcohol as defined above. More preferably, the molar ratio of alcohol to substituted aromatic azo compound is at least about 1:1.

When the molar ratio of alcohol to substituted aromatic azo compound is about 1:1 or is such that the excess of either the alcohol or the substituted aromatic azo compound is insufficient to serve as a solvent for the reaction, a polar aprotic organic solvent can be utilized in the process of the invention. Examples of suitable polar aprotic organic solvents include, but are not limited to, N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, N,N'-dimethylacetamide, dimethylsulfoxide, dimethylformamide, 1,4-dioxane, and the like and mixtures thereof.

In one embodiment, the currently preferred process for preparing substituted aromatic azo compounds comprises:

(a) contacting a nucleophilic compound selected from the group consisting of aniline, substituted aniline derivatives, aliphatic amines, substituted aliphatic amine derivatives and amides and an azo containing compound represented by the formula X--R.sub.1 --N.dbd.N--R.sub.2 --Y or azoxy or hydrazo derivatives thereof in the presence of a suitable solvent system, and (b) reacting a nucleophilic compound selected from the group consisting of aniline, substituted aniline derivatives, aliphatic amines, substituted aliphatic amine derivatives and amides and an azo containing compound represented by the formula X--R.sub.1 --N.dbd.N--R.sub.2 --Y or azoxy or hydrazo derivatives thereof in the presence of a suitable base and a controlled amount of protic material at a reaction temperature of about 10.degree. C. to about 150.degree. C. in a confined reaction zone, wherein the molar ratio of protic material to base is 0:1 to about 5:1, wherein R.sub.1 is an aromatic group, R.sub.2 is selected from the group consisting of aliphatic and aromatic groups, and X and Y are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halides, --NO.sub.2, --NH.sub.2, aryl groups, alkyl groups, alkoxy groups, sulfonate groups, --SO.sub.3 H, --OH, --COH, --COOH, and alkyl, aryl, arylalkyl or alkylaryl groups containing at least one --NH.sub.2 group, wherein if R.sub.2 is aliphatic, X is in the meta or ortho position on R.sub.1, and if R.sub.2 is aromatic, at least one of X and Y is in the meta or ortho position on R.sub.1 and R.sub.2, respectively, and wherein halides are selected from the group consisting of chloride, bromide and fluoride.

In another embodiment, the substituted aromatic azo compound is prepared by reacting 4-nitrosodiphenylamine with an aromatic primary amine or an aliphatic primary amine.

In the preparation of substituted aromatic azo compounds, the molar ratio of a nucleophilic compound selected from the group consisting of aniline, substituted aniline derivatives, aliphatic amines, substituted aliphatic amine derivatives and amides to X--R.sub.1 --N.dbd.N--R.sub.2 --Y or azoxy or hydrazo derivatives thereof can vary from a large excess of X--R.sub.1 --N.dbd.N--R.sub.2 --Y or azoxy or hydrazo derivatives thereof to a large excess of a nucleophilic compound selected from the group consisting of aniline, substituted aniline derivatives, aliphatic amines, substituted aliphatic amine derivatives and amides. Preferably, the reaction is conducted utilizing an excess of a nucleophilic compound selected from the group consisting of aniline, substituted aniline derivatives, aliphatic amines, substituted aliphatic amine derivatives and amides. More preferably, the molar ratio of nucleophilic compound to X--R.sub.1 --N.dbd.N--R.sub.2 --Y or azoxy or hydrazo derivatives thereof is at least about 1:1.

As used herein, the term "substituted aniline derivatives" means aniline containing one or more electron withdrawing or electron releasing substituents on the aromatic ring. Applicable substituents include, but are not limited to, halides, --NO.sub.2, --NH.sub.2, alkyl groups, alkoxy groups, sulfonate groups, --SO.sub.3 H, --OH, --COOH and aryl, arylalkyl or alkylaryl groups containing at least one --NH.sub.2 group. Halides are selected from the group consisting of chloride, bromide or fluoride. The preferred alkyl and alkoxy groups contain from 1 to about 6 carbon atoms. The preferred aryl, arylalkyl and alkylaryl groups contain from about 6 to about 18 carbon atoms. Examples of substituted aniline derivatives include, but are not limited to, 2-methoxyaniline, 4-methoxyaniline, 4-chloroaniline, p-toluidine, 4-nitroaniline, 3-bromoaniline, 3-bromo-4-aminotoluene, p-aminobenzoic acid, 2,4-diaminotoluene, 2,5-dichloroaniline, 1,4-phenylenediamine, 4,4'-methylenedianiline, 1,3,5-triaminobenzene and mixtures thereof.

Aniline or substituted aniline derivatives can be added directly or can be formed in situ by addition of a compound that will form aniline or the corresponding aniline derivative under the conditions present in the reaction system.

Amides that can be employed according to the invention include aromatic amides, aliphatic amides, substituted aromatic amide derivatives, substituted aliphatic amide derivatives and diamides having the formula: ##STR4## wherein R.sub.4 and R.sub.5 are independently selected from the group consisting of aromatic groups, aliphatic groups and a direct bond, and A is selected from the group consisting of ##STR5## --SO.sub.2 --, --O--, --S-- and a direct bond.

The aliphatic amides and substituted aliphatic amide derivatives that can be employed according to the invention are represented by the formula: ##STR6## wherein n is 0 or 1, R.sub.3 is selected from the group consisting of alkyl, arylalkyl, alkenyl, arylalkenyl, cycloalkyl and cycloalkenyl groups and X is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, --NO.sub.2, --NH.sub.2, aryl groups, alkoxy groups, sulfonate groups, --SO.sub.3 H, --OH, --COH, --COOH, and alkyl, aryl, arylalkyl or alkyl aryl groups containing at least one --NH.sub.2 group. The preferred alkyl and alkoxy groups contain from 1 to about 6 carbon atoms. The preferred aryl, arylalkyl and alkyl aryl groups contain from about 6 to about 18 carbon atoms.

Examples of aliphatic amides and substituted aliphatic amide derivatives include, but are not limited to, isobutyramide, urea, acetamide, propylamide and mixtures thereof.

The aromatic group in the aromatic amides of the invention contain from 6 to about 14 carbon atoms, preferably 6 to about 10 carbon atoms. Examples of aromatic groups include, but are not limited to, phenyl, naphthyl, and the like. As used herein, the term "substituted aromatic amide derivatives" means aromatic amides containing one or more electron withdrawing or electron releasing substituents on the aromatic ring. Applicable substituents include, but are not limited to, halides, --NO.sub.2, --NH.sub.2, alkyl groups, alkoxy groups, sulfonate groups, --SO.sub.3 H, --OH, --COH, --COOH, and alkyl, aryl, arylalkyl or alkyl- aryl groups containing at least one --NH.sub.2 group. Halides are selected from the group consisting of chloride, bromide and fluoride. The preferred alkyl and alkoxy groups contain from 1 to about 6 carbon atoms. The preferred aryl, arylalkyl and alkyl aryl groups contain from about 6 to about 18 carbon atoms.

Examples of aromatic amides and substituted aromatic amide derivatives include, but are not limited to, benzamide, 4-methylbenzamide, 4-methoxybenzamide, 4-chlorobenzamide, 2-methylbenzamide, 4-nitrobenzamide, 4-aminobenzamide and mixtures thereof.

Diamides that can be employed according to the process of the invention include, but are not limited to, adipamide, oxalic amide, terephthalic diamide, 4,4'-biphenyldicarboxamide and mixtures thereof.

Aliphatic amines and substituted aliphatic amines that can be employed according to the invention are compounds selected from the group consisting of compounds represented by the formula X'--R.sub.6 --NH--R.sub.7 --Y' and compounds represented by the formula: ##STR7## wherein R.sub.6 is selected from the group consisting of alkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkyl and cycloalkenyl groups, R.sub.7 is selected from the group consisting of a direct bond, alkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkyl and cycloalkenyl groups, R.sub.8 and R.sub.9 are independently selected from the group consisting of alkylene and alkenylene groups, Z is selected from the group consisting of a direct bond, --NH--, --N(R.sub.10)--, --O-- and --S--, wherein R.sub.10 is an alkyl group, and X' and Y' are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halides, --NO.sub.2, --NH.sub.2, aryl groups, alkoxy groups, sulfonate groups, --SO.sub.3 H, --OH, --COH, --COOH, and alkyl, aryl, arylalkyl or alkylaryl groups containing at least one --NH.sub.2 group. Halides are selected from the group consisting of chloride, bromide and fluoride. The preferred aliphatic groups of R.sub.6 and R.sub.7 contain from 1 to about 12 carbon atoms. The preferred aryl, arylalkyl and alkylaryl groups contain from about 6 to about 18 carbon atoms. The preferred alkoxy groups contain from 1 to about 6 carbon atoms.

Examples of aliphatic amines and substituted aliphatic amine derivatives include, but are not limited to, cyclohexylamine, 2-butylamine, isopropylamine, 2-hexylamine, 2-heptylamine, 1,4-dimethylpentylamine, 1-methylheptylamine, 1-ethyl-3-methylpentylamine, 1,3-dimethylbutylamine, octylamine, piperidine, piperazine, hexamethylene diamine, 2-amino-1-propanol, 2-amino-1-butanol, 6-aminohexanoic acid and mixtures thereof.

As used herein, the term "azo containing compounds" are compounds of the invention that are represented by the formula X--R.sub.1 --N.dbd.N--R.sub.2 --Y or azoxy or hydrazo derivatives thereof wherein R.sub.1 is an aromatic group, R.sub.2 is selected from the group consisting of aliphatic and aromatic groups and X and Y are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halides, --NO.sub.2, --NH.sub.2, aryl groups, alkyl groups, alkoxy groups, sulfonate groups, --SO.sub.3 H, --OH, --COH, --COOH, and alkyl, aryl, arylalkyl or alkylaryl groups containing at least one --NH.sub.2 group. When R.sub.2 is an aliphatic group, X is in the meta or ortho position on R.sub.1. When R.sub.2 is aromatic, at least one of X and Y is in the meta or ortho position on R.sub.1 and R.sub.2, respectively. Halides are selected from the group consisting of chloride, bromide and fluoride. The preferred aliphatic groups of R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 contain from 1 to about 12 carbon atoms and the preferred aromatic groups of R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 contain from about 6 to about 18 carbon atoms. The preferred alkyl and alkoxy groups contain from 1 to about 6 carbon atoms. The preferred aryl, arylalkyl and alkylaryl groups contain from about 6 to about 18 carbon atoms. Examples of azo containing compounds include, but are not limited to, azobenzene, substituted azobenzene derivative, azoxybenzene, 4-(phenylazo)diphenylamine, 1,2-diphenylhydrazine, and mixtures thereof.

When the azo containing compound is azobenzene, azobenzene can be produced via the oxidative coupling of aniline in the presence of a suitable base. When the nucleophilic compound used to react with azobenzene is aniline and the reaction is conducted under aerobic conditions, the azobenzene can be produced in-situ via the oxidative coupling of aniline in the presence of a suitable base. The oxidative coupling of aniline is known in the art, see Jeon, S. and Sawyer, D. T., "Hydroxide-Induced Synthesis of the Superoxide Ion from Dioxygen and Aniline, Hydroxylamine, or Hydrazine", Inorg. Chem., Vol. 29, pp. 4612-15 (1990), and the reaction conditions defined herein for the production of the substituted aromatic azo compounds are sufficient for the oxidative coupling of aniline to azobenzene.

As used herein, the term "substituted azobenzene derivatives" means azobenzene containing one or more electron withdrawing or electron releasing substituents on one or both of the aromatic rings. Applicable substituents include, but are not limited to, halides, --NO.sub.2, --NH.sub.2, alkyl groups, alkoxy groups, sulfonate groups, --SO.sub.3 H, --OH, --COOH and aryl, arylalkyl or alkylaryl groups containing at least one --NH.sub.2 group. Halides are selected from the group consisting of chloride, bromide and fluoride. The preferred alkyl and alkoxy groups contain from 1 to about 6 carbon atoms. The preferred aryl, arylalkyl, and alkylaryl groups contain from about 6 to about 18 carbon atoms. Examples of substituted azobenzene derivatives include, but are not limited to, 3,4'-dichloroazobenzene, p-phenylazobenzene sulfonic acid, p-(2,4-dihydroxyphenylazo)benzene sulfonic acid, and mixtures thereof.

Suitable solvent systems used in the preparation of substituted aromatic azo compounds include, but are not limited to, solvents such as dimethylsulfoxide, nucleophilic compounds such as substituted aniline derivatives, aniline and amides having a melting point below the reaction temperature, e.g., molten benzamide, dimethylformamide, N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, pyridine, ethyleneglycoldimethyl ether, amines such as diisopropylethylamine, sec-butyl amine and 2-heptylamine, and the like, and mixtures thereof. As described in more detail below, solvent mixtures can be utilized wherein in one or more of the suitable solvents and another solvent, such as a controlled amount of a protic solvent, e.g., methanol or water, are combined.

Suitable bases for use in the preparation of substituted aromatic azo compounds include, but are not limited to, organic and inorganic bases such as alkali metals, such as sodium metal, alkali metal hydrides, hydroxides and alkoxides, such as sodium hydride, lithium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, cesium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, potassium t-butoxide, and the like, including mixtures thereof. Other acceptable base materials include, but are not limited to, phase transfer catalysts in conjunction with a suitable base source such as tetrasubstituted ammonium hydroxides or halides wherein each substituent is independently selected from alkyl, aryl or arylalkyl groups wherein the alkyl, aryl and arylalkyl groups preferably have 1 to about 18 carbon atoms, including tetraalkyl ammonium hydroxides, e.g., tetramethylammonium hydroxide, tetraalkylammonium halides, e.g., tetrabutylammonium chloride, aryl, trialkylammonium hydroxides, e.g., phenyltrimethylammonium hydroxide, arylalkyl, trialkyl ammonium hydroxides, e.g., benzyltrimethylammonium hydroxide, alkyl substituted diammonium hydroxides, e.g., bis-dibutylethylhexamethylenediammonium hydroxide, and other combinations of phase transfer catalysts and suitable bases such as suitable bases in conjunction with aryl ammonium salts, crown ethers and the like, amine bases such as lithium, bis(trimethylsilyl) amide, 2-aminoheptane, and the like, and alkyl magnesium halides, including mixtures thereof. Preferred materials for use as bases are alkali metal hydroxides, such as potassium hydroxide, alkali metal alkoxides such as potassium t-butoxide, alkali metal hydroxides or alkoxides in conjunction with a phase transfer catalyst such as potassium hydroxide in conjunction with crown ethers, and tetraalkylammonium hydroxides such as tetramethylammonium hydroxide or tetrabutylammonium hydroxide.

Suitable bases for use in the preparation of substituted aromatic amines include, but are not limited to, organic and inorganic bases such as alkali metals, such as sodium metal, alkali metal hydrides, hydroxides and alkoxides, such as sodium hydride, lithium hydroxide, sodium hydroxide, cesium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, potassium t-butoxide, and the like, including mixtures thereof. Other acceptable base materials include, but are not limited to, phase transfer catalysts in conjunction with a suitable base source such as suitable bases above in conjunction with crown ethers and the like, amine bases such as lithium, bis(trimethylsilyl) amide, 2-aminoheptane, and the like, and alkyl magnesium halides, including mixtures thereof. Preferred materials for use as bases are alkali metal hydroxides, such as potassium hydroxide, alkali metal alkoxides such as potassium t-butoxide, and alkali metal hydroxides or alkoxides in conjunction with a phase transfer catalyst such as potassium hydroxide in conjunction with crown ethers.

Preferably, the base is added to the nucleophilic compound to produce a mixture which is then combined with the azo containing compound or to the alcohol to produce a mixture which is then combined with the substituted aromatic azo compound. Alternatively, the base can be added after the nucleophilic compound and azo containing compound have been combined or substituted aromatic azo compound and alcohol have been combined. Addition of materials can be above or below surface addition.

For the preparation of substituted aromatic azo compounds, the amount of base employed according to the invention can be conveniently expressed in terms of a molar ratio of suitable base to azo containing compound. Broadly, the molar ratio of base to azo containing compound will be about 1:1 to about 10:1, preferably about 1:1 to about 4:1, and most preferably about 1:1 to about 2:1.

For the preparation of substituted aromatic amines, the amount of base employed according to the invention can be conveniently expressed in terms of a molar ratio of suitable base to substituted aromatic azo compound. Broadly, the molar ratio of base to substituted aromatic azo compound will be about 1:1 to about 10:1, preferably about 1:1 to about 8:1, and most preferably about 1:1 to about 4:1.

The reaction of the nucleophilic compound with the azo containing compound is conducted at a temperature within the range of from about 10.degree. C. to about 150.degree. C., such as from about 20.degree. C. to about 120.degree. C., preferably from about 30.degree. C. to about 100.degree. C. A most preferred temperature for conducting the reaction of the nucleophilic compound with the azo containing compound is from about 50.degree. C. to about 90.degree. C.

The reaction of the substituted aromatic azo compound with the alcohol is conducted at a temperature within the range of from about 70.degree. C. to about 200.degree. C., such as from about 70.degree. C. to about 190.degree. C., preferably from about 70.degree. C. to about 180.degree. C. A most preferred temperature for conducting the reaction of the substituted aromatic azo compound with the alcohol is from about 100.degree. C. to about 170.degree. C.

Control of the amount of protic material present in the reaction of the nucleophilic compound with the azo containing compound is important. The amount of protic material employed according to the invention can be conveniently expressed in terms of a molar ratio based on the amount of base present at the beginning of the reaction of nucleophilic compound and azo containing compound. Broadly, the molar ratio of protic material to base will be from 0:1 to about 5:1, preferably from 0:1 to about 3:1, and most preferably 0:1 to about 1:1. Thus, the present reaction could be conducted under anhydrous conditions. As used herein for the reaction of nucleophilic compound and azo containing compound, the term "controlled amount" of protic material is an amount up to that which inhibits the reaction of nucleophilic compound with azo containing compound. The upper limit for the amount of protic material present in the reaction varies with the solvent. In addition, the amount of protic material tolerated will vary with the type of base, amount of base, and base cation, used in the various solvent systems. However, it is within the skill of one in the art, utilizing the teachings of the present invention, to determine the specific upper limit of the amount of protic material for a specific solvent, type and amount of base, base cation and the like. The minimum amount of protic material necessary to maintain selectivity of the desired products will also depend upon the solvent, type and amount of base, base cation and the like, that is utilized and can also be determined by one skilled in the art.

Since the amount of protic material present in the reaction of the nucleophilic compound with the azo containing compound is important, it is possible to reduce the amount of protic material present as much as possible and then add back to the reaction the desired amount. Protic materials that can be utilized to add back to the reaction are known to those skilled in the art and include, but are not limited to, water, methanol, isoamyl alcohol, t-butanol and the like, and mixtures thereof, preferably water. Methods for measuring the amount of protic material and for reducing the amount of protic material as much as possible are well known in the art. For example, the amount of water present in certain reagents can be determined by utilizing a Karl-Fischer apparatus, and the amount of water can be reduced through distillation and/or drying under reduced pressure, drying in the presence of P.sub.2 O.sub.5 and other agents, azeotropic distillation utilizing, for example, xylene, and the like, including combinations thereof.

In one embodiment for controlling the amount of protic material during the reaction of nucleophilic compound with azo containing compound, a desiccant is added so as to be present during the reaction of nucleophilic compound with azo containing compound. For example, when the protic material is water, the desiccant removes water present during the reaction of nucleophilic compound and azo containing compound and results in higher conversion of azo containing compound and yields of substituted aromatic azo compound. As used herein, desiccant is a compound present during the reaction of nucleophilic compound and azo containing compound in addition to the suitable base used. Examples of suitable desiccants include, but are not limited to, anhydrous sodium sulfate, molecular sieves, such as types 4A, 5A, and 13X available from the Union Carbide Corporation, calcium chloride, tetramethylammonium hydroxide dihydrate, anhydrous bases such as KOH and NaOH, and activated alumina.

In another embodiment for controlling the amount of protic material during the reaction of nucleophilic compound and azo containing compound, protic material is continuously removed from the reaction mixture by distillation. If the protic material present forms an azeotrope with one of the compounds in the reaction mixture, the protic material can be removed by continuous azeotropic distillation of protic material utilizing the azeotrope. The continuous removal of protic material allows the use of lower amounts of base in the reaction of nucleophilic compound and azo containing compound while achieving very high conversion of azo containing compound and excellent yields of substituted aromatic azo compound.

Generally, the reactions of substituted aromatic azo compound with alcohol and nucleophilic compound with azo containing compound can be conducted under aerobic or anaerobic conditions. When the nucleophilic compound is a secondary aliphatic amine, the reaction of nucleophilic compound with azo containing compound can be conducted only under aerobic conditions, i.e., under anaerobic conditions the only applicable aliphatic amines or substituted aliphatic amine derivatives are those having the formula X'--R.sub.6 --NH.sub.2. Under aerobic conditions the reaction is conducted essentially as described above in the reaction zone which is exposed to oxygen, usually by exposure to air. Under aerobic conditions, the pressure at which the reaction is conducted can vary and the optimal pressure, as well as the optimal combination of pressure and temperature, are easily determined by one skilled in the art. For example, the reaction can be conducted at a pressure ranging from about 0 psig (0 kg/cm.sup.2) to about 250 psig (17.6 kg/cm.sup.2), such as from about 14 psig (1 kg/cm.sup.2) to about 150 psig (10.5 kg/cm.sup.2). Under anaerobic conditions, the reactions can be conducted at atmospheric pressure or reduced or elevated pressures, in the presence of an inert gas such as, for example, nitrogen or argon. Optimal conditions for a particular set of reaction parameters, such as temperature, base, solvent and the like, are easily determined by one skilled in the art utilizing the teaching of the present invention.

Reductive alkylation of substituted aromatic amines, e.g., 4-ADPA, to produce antioxidants or antiozonants can be conducted by any of several well-known methods. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,900,868. Preferably, substituted aromatic amines and a suitable ketone or aldehyde are reacted in the presence of hydrogen and platinum-on-carbon as catalysts. Suitable ketones include, but are not limited to, methylisobutylketone (MIBK), acetone, methylisoamylketone and 2-octanone.

Alkylated substituted aromatic amines, e.g., ADPA, to produce antioxidants or antiozonants can also be produced directly during the reaction of substituted aromatic amines with alcohols when the reaction temperature, base and alcohol are appropriately selected. An example of such reaction conditions can be found in Example 9.

Aminolysis of substituted aromatic amines containing an aromatic amide bond, which can be prepared by reacting an amide as the nucleophilic compound and an azo containing compound to produce a substituted aromatic azo compound followed by reacting the substituted aromatic azo compound with a nucleophilic compound, can be conducted by reacting the substituted aromatic amine with ammonia to produce the corresponding substituted aromatic amine and an amide which can be recycled. See for example, Jencks, W. P., J. Am. Chem. Soc., Vol. 92, pp. 3201-3202 (1970). Preferably, the substituted aromatic amine containing an aromatic amide bond is reacted with ammonia in the presence of a solvent, e.g., methanol.

Contemplated equivalents of the reactants and reagents set forth above are reactants and reagents otherwise corresponding thereto and having the same general properties wherein one or more of the various groups, e.g., --NO.sub.2, are simple variations. In addition, where a substituent is designated as, or can be, a hydrogen, the exact chemical nature of a substituent which is other than hydrogen at that position is not critical so long as it does not adversely affect the overall activity and/or synthesis procedure.

The chemical reactions described above are generally disclosed in terms of their broadest application to the process of this invention. Occasionally, the reaction conditions may not be applicable as specifically described to each reactant and reagent within the disclosed scope. For example, certain suitable bases may not be as soluble in one solvent as they are in other solvents. The reactants and reagents for which this occurs will be readily recognized by those skilled in the art. In all such cases, either the reactions can be successfully performed by conventional modifications known to those skilled in the art, e.g., by appropriate adjustments in temperature, pressure and the like, by changing to alternative conventional reagents such as other solvents or other bases, by routine modification of reaction conditions, and the like, or other reactions disclosed herein or otherwise conventional, will be applicable to the process of this invention. In all preparative methods, all starting materials are known or are readily preparable from known starting materials.

EXAMPLES

Materials and Methods: Aniline, aniline derivatives and azobenzene were purchased from Aldrich Chemical, were reagent grade and were used without further purification. Solvents were purchased from Aldrich Chemical and were anhydrous grade. The tetramethylammonium hydroxide was purchased as the pentahydrate.

HPLC Assay: Reverse phase HPLC was used to analyze the reaction mixtures. A 5 .mu.m Beckman/Altex Ultrasphere-ODS (4.6.times.150 mm) column was employed using a binary gradient pump system. Absorption in the UV was monitored at 254 nm.

A Waters 600 series HPLC equipped with a Vydac 201HS54 (4.6.times.250 mm) column and UV detection at 254 nm was used to monitor all reactions. The external standard method was utilized in all the analysis. Authentic samples of products to be used as standards were prepared by known literature methods.

______________________________________Elution Gradient % Solvent BTime (min.) % Solvent A (Water) (40% Methanol in ACN)______________________________________ 0 75 2535 20 8040 0 10045 0 10046 75 2555 75 25______________________________________

EXAMPLE 1

This example illustrates the effect of protic material on the production of 4-(phenylazo)diphenylamine from the reaction of aniline and azobenzene in the presence of a base and phase transfer catalyst.

A mixture of aniline (1.25 g), azobenzene (0.45 g), potassium t-butoxide (0.55 g), and 18-crown-6 (0.65 g) was stirred under nitrogen. Variable amounts of water was added to the reaction and the solution was heated to 80.degree. C. for two hours after which time an aliquot was removed and analyzed by HPLC.

TABLE 1______________________________________Mole Ratio % YieldWater: t-Butoxide 4-(Phenylazo)-diphenylamine______________________________________10 03 11 70.5 50______________________________________

EXAMPLE 2

This example illustrates the production of a substituted aromatic azo compound from the reaction of azobenzene and a substituted aromatic amine.

A solution of 1.8 g of azobenzene, 2.2 g of potassium t-butoxide, 2.6 g of 18-crown-6 and 5 g of substituted aniline was stirred at 80.degree. C. for 1 hour. An aliquot was taken out for HPLC analysis. Yields of substituted azo compounds are based on azobenzene.

TABLE 2______________________________________ % YieldSubstituted Aromatic Amine Substituted Azo compound______________________________________p-chloroaniline 19%p-methylaniline 18%p-methoxyaniline 28%______________________________________

EXAMPLE 3

This example illustrates the production of a substituted aromatic azo compound from the reaction of azobenzene and aniline.

A solution of 1.8 g of azobenzene, 1 g of potassium hydroxide, 2.6 g of 18-crown-6 and 5 g of aniline was stirred at 80.degree. C. for 2 hour. An aliquot was taken out for HPLC analysis. The yield of 4-(phenylazo)diphenylamine based on azobenzene was 14%.

EXAMPLE 4

This example illustrates the production of 4-(phenylazo) diphenylamine and substituted derivatives thereof from the reaction of aniline or substituted aniline derivatives and azobenzene.

(a) 10 mmole of azobenzene, 20 mmole of potassium t-butoxide and 10 mmole of 18-crown-6 was stirred in 10 g of aniline under nitrogen at 80.degree. C. for 30 minutes. A weighted aliquot was sampled for HPLC and was found to contain 40% of 4-(phenylazo)diphenylamine, 50% of azobenzene and 10% of hydrazobenzene. (b) 10 mmole of azobenzene, 20 mmole of potassium t-butoxide and 10 mmole of 18-crown-6 was stirred in 5 g of p-anisidine under nitrogen at 60.degree. C. for 12 hours. 10 ml of 90% methanol was added to homogenize the solution. A weighted aliquot was sampled for HPLC and was found to contain 80% of 4-(4-methoxyphenylazo)diphenylamine and 19% of azobenzene. (c) 10 mmole of azobenzene, 20 mmole of potassium t-butoxide and 10 mmole of 18-crown-6 was stirred in 5 g of p-chloroaniline under nitrogen at 70.degree. C. for 12 hours. 10 ml of 90% methanol was added to homogenize the solution. A weighted aliquot was sampled for HPLC and was found to contain 31% of 4-(4-chlorophenylazo)diphenylamine, 38% of hydrazobenzene and 30% of azobenzene. (d) 10 mmole of azobenzene, 20 mmole of potassium t-butoxide and 10 mmole of 18-crown-6 was stirred in 5 g of p-toluidine under nitrogen at 80.degree. C. for 12 hours. 10 ml of 90% methanol was added to homogenize the solution. A weighted aliquot was sampled for HPLC and was found to contain 60% of 4-(tolylphenylazo)diphenylamine and 40% of azobenzene. (e) 10 mmole of azobenzene, 5 g of p-nitroaniline, 20 mmole of potassium t-butoxide and 10 mmole of 18-crown-6 was stirred in 4 ml of DMSO under nitrogen at 100.degree. C. for 72 hours. 10 ml of 90% methanol was added to homogenize the solution. A weighted aliquot was sampled for HPLC and was found to contain 23% of 4-(nitrophenylazo)diphenylamine and 74% of azobenzene. (f) 10 mmole of azobenzene, 2 g of 1,4-phenylenediamine, 20 mmole of potassium t-butoxide and 10 mmole of 18-crown-6 was stirred in 4 ml of DMSO under nitrogen at 100.degree. C. for 72 hours. 10 ml of 90% methanol was added to homogenize the solution. A weighted aliquot was sampled for HPLC and was found to contain 90% of 4-(aminophenylazo)diphenylamine.

EXAMPLE 5

This example illustrates the production of 4-(phenylazo)diphenylamine from the reaction of aniline and azobenzene.

75 ml of 25% aqueous tetramethylammonium hydroxide was evaporated to dryness at 60.degree. C./20 mmHg followed by addition of 18.5 gm of azobenzene and 75 ml of aniline. The solution was stirred at 60.degree. C./20 mmHg for 4 hours, approximately 30 ml of aniline was distilled, then 50 ml of water was added. The aniline solution was assayed to contain 99% yield of 4-(phenylazo)diphenylamine and 6% of N-methylaniline by HPLC based on azobenzene.

EXAMPLE 6

This example illustrates the production of 4-(phenylazo)diphenylamine under aerobic conditions.

A solution of 25% aqueous tetramethylammonium hydroxide (8 mL) was concentrated under vacuum at 75.degree. C. until solid material formed. Azobenzene (1.8 g) and aniline (10 mL) were added and the solution was stirred under the same conditions for 4 hours and then in the presence of air for 12 hours. Analysis of the reaction by HPLC revealed 90% yield of 4(phenylazo)diphenylamine.

EXAMPLE 7

This example illustrates the conversion of 4-(phenylazo)diphenylamine to 4-aminodiphenylamine using isoamyl alcohol as the alcohol.

A solution of 4-(phenylazo)diphenylamine (0.273 g), isoamyl alcohol (0.1 mL, 0.08 g), potassium t-butoxide (0.22 g) and 18-crown-6 (1.3 g) was heated at 120.degree. C. under nitrogen for 12 hours. Analysis of the reaction mixture by HPLC showed 4-ADPA was produced in 80% yield.

EXAMPLE 8

This example illustrates the conversion of 4-(phenylazo)diphenylamine to 4-aminodiphenylamine using cyclohexanol as the alcohol.

A solution of 4-(phenylazo)diphenylamine (0.273 g), cyclohexanol (5 g) and potassium t-butoxide (1 g) was heated at reflux under nitrogen for 4 hours. Analysis of the reaction mixture by HPLC indicated all of the 4-(phenyazo)-diphenylamine was consumed. 4-aminodiphenylamine and aniline were produced in 99% yield based on 4-(phenylazo)diphenylamine charged.

EXAMPLE 9

This example illustrates the conversion of 4-(phenylazo)diphenylamine to 4-aminodiphenylamine and 4-(N'-isoamyl)-aminodiphenylamine using isoamyl alcohol as the alcohol.

A solution of 4-(phenylazo)-diphenylamine (0.273 g), isoamyl alcohol (0.1 mL), and potassium t-butoxide (0.22 g) was heated at 120.degree. C. under nitrogen for 12 hours. Analysis of the reaction mixture by HPLC revealed a 10% yield of 4-aminodiphenylamine and an undetermined yield of 4-(N'-isoamyl)-aminodiphenylamine.

EXAMPLE 10

This example illustrates the conversion of 4-(phenylazo)diphenylamine to 4-aminodiphenylamine using t-butanol as the alcohol.

A solution of 0.5 g of 4-(phenylazo)diphenylamine and 0.2 g of biphenyl as internal standard and 10 ml of 1M potassium tert-butoxide in t-butanol was stirred in a steel bomb at 120.degree. C. for 12 hours. After the solution was allowed to cool to room temperature, a sample was analyzed by RP-HPLC and calculated to obtain 45% of 4-ADPA based on 4-(phenylazo)diphenylamine.

EXAMPLE 11

This example illustrates the conversion of 4-(phenylazo)diphenylamine to 4-aminodiphenylamine using cyclohexanol as the alcohol in a polar aprotic organic solvent.

0.27 g of 4-(phenylazo)diphenylamine, 0.6 g of potassium t-butoxide and 200 .mu.l cyclohexanol was stirred in 5 ml of 1,4-dioxane at reflux under nitrogen for 12 hours. 10 ml of biphenyl was added as internal standard and the solution was homogenized with 5-10 ml of ethanol. The reaction solution was analyzed by RP-HPLC. The yield was calculated to be 62.3% of 4-ADPA.

Claims

1. A process for preparing a substituted aromatic amine comprising:

(a) reacting a substituted aromatic azo compound or azoxy or hydrazo derivative thereof with an alcohol selected from the group consisted of aliphatic alcohols, cycloaliphatic alcohols, arylalkyl alcohols and mixtures thereof in the presence of a suitable base at a temperature of about 70.degree. C. to about 200.degree. C., wherein the substituted aromatic azo compound is selected from the group consisting of compounds represented by the formula: ##STR8## compounds represented by the formula: ##STR9## compounds represented by the formula: ##STR10## and mixtures thereof, wherein R--NH-- represents a substituent derived from a compound selected from the group consisting of aniline, substituted aniline derivatives, aliphatic amines, substituted aliphatic amine derivatives and amides, R.sub.1 is an aromatic group, R.sub.2 is selected from the group consisting of aliphatic and aromatic groups, and X and Y are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halides, --NO.sub.2, --NH.sub.2, aryl groups, alkyl groups, alkoxy groups, sulfonate groups, ---SO.sub.3 H, --OH, --COH, --COOH, and alkyl, aryl, arylalkyl or alkylaryl groups containing at least one --NH.sub.2 group, wherein halides are selected from the group consisting of chlorine, bromine and fluorine and R.sub.2 is an aromatic group in substituted aromatic azo compounds (II) and (III).

2. The process of claim 1 wherein the substituent of said substituted aniline derivatives is selected from the group consisting of halides, --NO.sub.2, --NH.sub.2, alkyl groups, alkoxy groups, sulfonate groups, --SO.sub.3 H, --OH, --COOH and aryl, arylalkyl or alkylaryl groups containing at least one --NH.sub.2 group, wherein halides are selected from the group consisting of chloride, bromide and fluoride.

3. The process of claim 1 wherein said amide is selected from the group consisting of aromatic amides, aliphatic amides, substituted aromatic amide derivatives, substituted aliphatic amide derivatives and diamides having the formula: ##STR11## wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are independently selected from the group consisting of aromatic groups, aliphatic groups and a direct bond, and A is selected from the group consisting of ##STR12## --SO.sub.2 --, --O--,--S-- and a direct bond.

4. The process of claim 3 wherein said aliphatic amides and said substituted aliphatic amide derivatives are represented by the formula: ##STR13## wherein n is 0 or 1, R.sub.3 is selected from the group consisting of alkyl, arylalkyl, alkenyl, arylalkenyl, cycloalkyl and cycloalkenyl groups and X is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, --NO.sub.2, --NH.sub.2, aryl groups, alkoxy groups, sulfonate groups, --SO.sub.3 H, --OH, --COH, --COOH, and alkyl, aryl, arylalkyl or alkylaryl groups containing at least one --NH.sub.2 group.

5. The process of claim 3 wherein the substituent of said substituted aromatic amide derivatives is selected from the group consisting of halides, --NO.sub.2, --NH.sub.2, alkyl groups, alkoxy groups, sulfonate groups, --SO.sub.3 H, --OH, --COH, --COOH and alkyl, aryl, arylalkyl or alkylaryl groups containing at least one --NH.sub.2 group, wherein halides are selected from the group consisting of chloride, bromide and fluoride.

6. The process of claim 1 wherein said aliphatic amine and said substituted aliphatic amine derivatives are represented by the formula X'--R.sub.6 --NH--R.sub.7 --Y' and compounds represented by the formula: ##STR14## wherein R.sub.6 is selected from the group consisting of alkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkyl and cycloalkenyl groups, R.sub.7 is selected from the group consisting of a direct bond, alkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkyl and cycloalkenyl groups, R.sub.8 and R.sub.9 are independently selected from the group consisting of alkylene and alkenylene groups, Z is selected from the group consisting of a direct bond, --NH--, --N(R.sub.10)--, --O-- and --S--, wherein R.sub.10 is an alkyl group, and X' and Y' are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halides, --NO.sub.2, --NH.sub.2, aryl groups, alkoxy groups, sulfonate groups, --SO.sub.3 H, --OH, --COH, --COOH, and alkyl, aryl, arylalkyl or alkylaryl groups containing at least one --NH.sub.2 group, wherein halides are selected from the group consisting of chloride, bromide and fluoride.

7. The process of claim 1 wherein said alcohol is selected from the group consisting of cyclohexanol, isopropanol, sec-butanol, 1,3-dimethylbutanol, tertbutanol, n-octanol and benzyl alcohol.

8. The process of claim 1 wherein said suitable base is selected from the group consisting of organic and inorganic bases.

9. The process of claim 8 wherein said organic and inorganic bases are selected from the group consisting of alkali metals, alkali metal hydrides, alkali metal hydroxides, alkali metal alkoxides, phase transfer catalysts in conjunction with a base source, amines, alkyl magnesium halides, and mixtures thereof.

10. The process of claim 1 wherein said substituted aromatic azo compound is 4-(phenylazo)diphenylamine.

11. The process of claim 10 wherein said base is potassium t-butoxide, potassium t-butoxide in conjunction with a phase transfer catalyst or potassium t-butoxide in conjunction with a crown ether.

12. The process of claim 1 wherein said substituted aromatic azo compound and said alcohol are contacted under aerobic conditions.

13. The process of claim 1 wherein said substituted aromatic azo compound and said alcohol are contacted under anaerobic conditions.

14. The process of claim 1 wherein said substituted aromatic azo compound is prepared by the process comprising:

(a) contacting a nucleophilic compound selected from the group consisting of aniline, substituted aniline derivatives, aliphatic amines, substituted aliphatic amine derivatives and amides, and an azo containing compound represented by the formula X--R.sub.1 --N.dbd.N--R.sub.2 --Y or azoxy or hydrazo derivatives thereof in the presence of a suitable solvent system, and

(b) reacting the nucleophilic compound and azo containing compound in the presence of a suitable base and a controlled amount of protic material at a reaction temperature of from about 10.degree. C. to about 150.degree. C. in a confined reaction zone, wherein the molar ratio of protic material to base is 0:1 to about 5:1, wherein R.sub.1 is an aromatic group, R.sub.2 is selected from the group consisting of aliphatic and aromatic groups, and X and Y are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halides, --NO.sub.2, --NH.sub.2, aryl groups, alkyl groups, alkoxy groups, sulfonate groups, --SO.sub.3 H, --OH, --COH, --COOH, and alkyl, aryl, arylalkyl or alkylaryl groups containing at least one --NH.sub.2 group, wherein if R.sub.2 is aliphatic, X is in the meta or ortho position on R.sub.1 and if R.sub.2 is aromatic, at least one of X and Y is in the meta or ortho position on R.sub.1 and R.sub.2, respectively, and wherein halides are selected from the group consisting of chloride, bromide and fluoride.

15. The process of claim 1 wherein R--NH-- is derived from an amide further comprising:

(b) reacting said substituted aromatic amine with ammonia under conditions which produce the corresponding substituted aromatic amine and amide.

16. The process of claim 15 further comprising:

(c) reductively alkylating said substituted aromatic amine of (b).

17. The process of claim 1 further comprising:

(b) reductively alkylating said substituted aromatic amine.

18. The process of claim 1 wherein said substituted aromatic azo compound and said alcohol are contacted in the presence of a polar aprotic organic solvent.

19. A process for preparing 4-aminodiphenylamine or substituted derivatives thereof comprising:

(a) reacting 4-(phenylazo)-diphenylamine or substituted derivatives thereof with an alcohol selected from the group consisting of aliphatic alcohols, cycloaliphatic alcohols, arylalkyl alcohols and mixtures thereof in the presence of a suitable base at a temperature of about 70.degree. C. to about 200.degree. C.

20. The process of claim 19 further comprising:

(b) reductively alkylating said 4-aminodiphenylamine or substituted derivatives thereof.