FIELD: industrial organic synthesis. SUBSTANCE: invention relates to 4-aminodiphenylamines, intermediates for alkylated derivatives useful as antiozonates and antioxidants as well as monomer and polymer stabilizers. Preparation of optionally substituted 4- aminodiphenylamine or alkylated derivative thereof comprises: (i) reaction of optionally substituted aniline with optionally substituted nitrobenzene in presence of water and base, amounts of the two latter being controlled in a way as to provide molar ratio of charged water to charged base at least about 4:1 in the beginning of reaction and at least about 0.6:1 to the end of reaction to form optionally substituted 4-nitrodiphenylamine and/or 4- nitrosodiphenylamine, and/or their salts; (ii) hydrogenation of thus obtained product in presence of hydrogenation catalyst and water added to adjust molar ratio of the total amount of water to base at least about 4:1; (iii) separation of hydrogenation catalyst from reaction mixture; and (iv) separation of aqueous and organic phases and treating organic phase to isolate optionally substituted 4-aminodiphenylamine, which can be alkylated, if necessary. EFFECT: increased economical efficiency of process. 16 cl, 9 tbl, 18 ex
