This invention relates to a process for the preparation of ortho-aminobenzotrifluoride (OABT) from benzotrifluoride (BTF). The process provides an overall route employing non-isolation of intermediates which can be run smoothly and which results in the preparation of OABT in high yields with less contamination. This process includes a catalytic halogenation step in which BTF is converted to meta-halo BTF and other mono and di-halo isomers of BTF followed by nitration in the same reaction vessel under conditions which do not favor nitration of the di-halo isomers of BTF to produce a mixture which predominates in 5-halo-2-nitro BTF. In the final step the 5-halo-2-nitro BTF present is reduced and hydrodehalogenated with H.sub.2 in the presence of a catalyst to form OABT. Recyclable BTF is also obtained from the final reaction.