RuCl3 · 3H2O in presence of PPh3 and a mild base and under an atmosphere or carbonmonoxide catalyses the reaction of azobenzene and 2-propanol to give N-phenyl-1,2-phenylenediamine and N1-phenyl-N2-(2-propyl)-1,2-phenylenediamine. The selectivity towards the two products can be controlled by varying the amount of base (NaOAc or LiOAc) and 2-propanol used. Secondary alcohols which are less effective