Ionic liquids (ILs) were for the first time found to be alternatively excellent media for the heterogeneously catalyzed hydrogenation of halonitrobenzenes to corresponding haloanilines over three type catalysts of Raney nickel, carbon-supported platinum and palladium. The ionic liquids give rise to higher selectivity and lower dehalogenation in the hydrogenating process compared with that observed in conventional organic solvents. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.