The chloroform-soluble products of aniline or ( 15 N)aniline oxidation in alkaline medium were analysed using one-and twodimensional 1 H NMR, 13 C NMR and 15 N NMR spectroscopy. Among the products, two were found to be prominent, namely a carbonyl-containing semiquinonoid and a phenazine-like structure. The probable mechanism of their formation is suggested.