Abstract: Disclosed is a method of making 3,5-diaminobenzotrifluoride from 4-chloro-3,5-dinitrobenzotrifluoride. A solution of 4-chloro-3,5-dinitrobenzotrifluoride in an alcohol is prepared. Separately, a slurry is prepared of a palladium catalyst on a suitable substrate, at least one equivalent of magnesium oxide per equivalent of 4-chloro-3,5-dinitrobenzotrifluoride, sufficient hydrogen-donating reducing agent to reduce the 4-chloro-3,5-dinitrobenzotrifluoride to 3,5-diaminobenzotrifluoride, and an amount of alcohol sufficient to make the slurry stirrable. The solution is added to the slurry with stirring at a rate that does not exceed the reaction rate of the 4-chloro-3,5-dinitrobenzotrifluoride so that no unreacted 4-chloro-3,5-dinitrobenzotrifluoride accumulates in the slurry. The reaction mixture is heated at about 75.degree. to about 100.degree. C.

Abstract: 3,5-Diaminobenzotrifluoride can be produced, in a single step, by reacting 4-chloro-3,5-dinitrobenzotrifluoride, in methanol, with hydrogen gas, in the presence of magnesium oxide, and in the presence of a catalyst comprising palladium on a carbon support.

Abstract: 3,5-Diaminobenzotrifluoride can be readily separated from 4-chloro-3,5-diaminobenzotrifluoride by the addition of hydrogen chloride. 3,5-Diaminobenzotrifluoride forms hydrochloride salt, while 4-chloro-3,5-diaminobenzotrifluoride does so much less readily.