Abstract: A method for the preparation of aromatic amines such as N-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine wherein an aromatic amine such as aniline is oxidized with oxygen or hydrogen peroxide in the presence of a metal pentacyano ferrate(II) complex, includes subsequent catalytic reduction of the complex by hydrogenation in the presence of a metal catalyst having at least two Group VIII metals, preferably platinum in combination with ruthenium either together on a single carbon support or each metal separately on carbon supports.