FIELD: chemistry.
SUBSTANCE: invention relates to an improved method for ortho-alkylation of N'-phenyl-N-alkyl-p-phenylenediamines into a phenyl ring. The method involves reaction of N'-phenyl-N-alkylphenylenediamine of formula I: 
, where R1 is an alkyl group, with an alkylating agent selected from an unsubstituted linear olefin, in an inert atmosphere in the presence of an ionic liquid containing a Lewis acid, which is a metal halide, and a quaternary cation selected from a quaternary ammonium cation, to obtain N'-phenyl-N-alkyl(alkylphenylene)diamine of formula II: 
, where R1 assumes values given above, R2 is an unsubstituted linear alkyl group.
EFFECT: method simplifies extraction of the end product from the reaction mixture.
8 cl, 1 ex
