Electrochemical amination of benzene in aqueous-acetic solutions of sulfuric acid

Indirect cathodic amination of benzene with hydroxylamine in the presence of Ti(IV)/Ti(III) mediator system in aqueous media containing 4–11 mol/L H2SO4 and 13–5.5 mol/L AcOH has been studied. Aniline, diphenyl, and isomeric phenylenediamines are the electrolysis products at 25–60°C. The increase in temperature favors the formation of the monoamino compound. Aniline yield with respect to hydroxylamine at complete conversion of the latter has reached 78.7%, mass fraction of aniline being 97.1%.