Aniline is regenerated from its salt using sodium acetate rather than sodium hydroxide. (question below)?

Question

Aniline is regenerated from its salt using sodium acetate rather than sodium hydroxide. Can you explain what complications might arise if sodium hydroxide is used.

Answer 1

The use of sodium hydroxide, a strong base, tends to speed up the oxidation of aniline, giving azobenzene. Sodium acetate is a much milder base.