Aniline molecule. Molecular model of aniline (C6H5NH2), also known as aminobenzene or phenylamine. In the model, carbon atoms are black, hydrogen are white and nitrogen is blue. Aniline is a colourless, oily liquid. It was originally distilled from indigo, but is more often obtained from coal tar or nitrobenzene. Aniline is used in the dyestuff and pharmaceutical industries, in the manufacture of antioxidants, and in the vulcanization of rubber.