To obtain the subject compound useful as an intermediate for dye, coloring matter, pigment, etc. by reacting an aromatic amino compound with an aldehyde compound and hydrogen in a solvent in the presence of a noble metal catalyst so as to advance the reaction in a short time in a high yield.
An aromatic primary and/or secondary amino compound (preferably 3-aminobenzoic acid) is reacted with an aldehyde compound and hydrogen in a solvent (e.g. water, methanol, etc.), in the presence of a noble metal catalyst (e.g. palladium/carbon supported catalyst, etc.), to give the objective compound (preferably 3-dimethylaminobenzoic acid). The reaction is carried out by successively feeding the aromatic primary and/or secondary amino compound and the aldehyde compound. The reaction is performed under 2-5 kg/cm2 at 40-60°C. The total amount of the solvent used is 4-10 times as much as the total amount of the aromatic primary and/or secondary amino compound used. The total amount of the noble metal catalyst used is preferably 0.03-0.12 wt.% calculated as a metal atom.
NISHIMURA TAKESHI
WADA MASARU
