Abstract: The present invention relates (i) to a method for producing a doped copper-tetraammine-salt-based hydrogenation catalyst suitable for the hydrogenation of an aromatic nitro compound such that an aromatic amine is obtained, the hydrogenation catalyst comprising copper in metal form or in oxidic form and a doping metal selected from iron, cobalt, manganese, vanadium, zinc or a mixture of two or more thereof in metal form or in oxidic form on a carrier, the carrier comprising silicon dioxide shaped bodies and/or silicon carbide shaped bodies, (ii) to a doped copper-tetraammine-salt-based hydrogenation catalyst obtainable using the aforementioned method according to the invention, and (iii) to a method for producing an aromatic amine, comprising the hydrogenation of an aromatic nitro compound in the presence of a doped copper-tetraammine-salt-based hydrogenation catalyst comprising copper in metal form or in oxidic form and comprising a doping metal in metal form or in oxidic form on a carrier as hydrogenation ca

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of an aromatic amine by hydrogenation of an aromatic nitro compound, comprising the following steps: (I) providing a copper tetramine salt-based impregnation catalyst, in particular an impregnation catalyst obtainable by the incipient wetness method, comprising a metal or metal oxide on a support as a hydrogenation catalyst. At least metallic or oxidic copper (in particular CuO) is present and the mole fraction of Cu based on all metals present is in the range of 075 to 1, and wherein the support comprises shaped silicon-dioxide shaped bodies or silicon-carbide shaped bodies; (II) optionally, activating the hydrogenation catalyst by treating with hydrogen in the absence of the aromatic nitro compound; and (III) reacting the aromatic nitro compound with hydrogen in the presence of the, optionally activated, hydrogenation catalyst to obtain the aromatic amine.