An insight into the mechanism of selective mono-N-methylation of aniline on Cu1−xZnxFe2O4: a DRIFTS study

Mechanistic details of selective mono-N-methylation of aniline on Cu1−xZnxFe2O4 are successfully explained by in situ IR studies. Perpendicular orientation of aromatic ring of aniline, methyl group availability, an optimum metal-ion distribution on catalyst surface and stability of methyl groups on Zn lead selectively to N-methylaniline on Cu0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4. Desorption limited kinetics is evident from the N-methylaniline formation at low temperature.