The catalytic transformation of nitrosobenzene into azoxy and azobenzene

Abstract Nitrosobenzene is converted into azoxybenzene in alcoholic media in the presence of Ru(CO) 3 (PPh 3 ) 2 as catalyst and under an inert atmosphere; Fe(CO) 3 (PPh 3 ) 2 and palladium complexes such as PdL 2 Cl 2 (L  PhNO, p -MeC 6 H 4 NH 2 , PPh 3 ) and Pd 3 (CO) 3 (PPh 3 ) 4 , are less active as catalysts. Under CO pressure and with Ru(CO) 3 (PPh 3 ) 2 as catalyst, nitrosobenzene is converted into azobenzene and aniline, while azoxybenzene gives azobenzene.