The invention is directed to a method of producing one or more 4-aminodiphenylamine intermediates comprising the steps: a. bringing an aniline or aniline derivative and nitrobenzene into reactive contact; and b. reacting the aniline and nitrobenzene in a confined zone at a suitable time and temperature, in the presence of a mixture comprising a strong organic base, or equivalent thereof, and an oxidant comprising hydrogen peroxide in an amount of from about 0.01 to about 0.60 moles of hydrogen peroxide to moles of nitrobenzene.