Aniline is the common, and the systematic, name given to aminobenzene. It is, therefore, the phenyl-substituted derivative of ammonia. The empirical formula of aniline is C₆H₇N, although it is more commonly written as either C₆H₅NH₂ (aminobenzene) or PhNH₂ (phenylamine). It is an example of an aromatic primary amine. At standard temperature and pressure it is a colorless, oily liquid with an unpleasant odor that turns brown due to slow oxidation by air. It has a melting point of 22°F (-6°C) and a boiling point of 326°F (184°C). Aniline is manufactured by reduction of nitrobenzene, using hydrogen gas and a copper catalyst, or using iron, water, and hydrochloric acid for the reduction.

Aniline is an industrially important compound. It is used in the manufacture of antioxidants, pharmaceuticals, dyes, and in the vulcanization of rubber. Production of this chemical in the...