Process for preparing aniline or an aniline derivative

Abstract

The present invention relates to a process for preparing aniline or an aniline derivative, comprising the steps of (I) providing aminobenzoic acid, (II) decarboxylating the aminobenzoic acid to aniline in the presence of an inorganic heterogeneous metal oxide catalyst containing, in relation to the total mass of metal oxides, a mass fraction of Al2O3 of 40.0% to 100%, preferably 50.0% to 100%, particularly preferably 60.0% to 100%, the mass fraction of Al2O3, in relation to the total mass of the inorganic heterogeneous metal oxide catalyst, being 25% to 100%, and (III) optionally reacting the aniline to form an aniline derivative.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.