New neutral cobalt (II) complexes containing 2, 9-bis (2-hydroxyphenyl)-1, 10- phenanthroline and 2, 9-bis (2-hydroxyphenyl)-2, 2'-bipyridine ligands have been synthesized. These complexes are active catalysts in the oxidative carbonylation of aniline in 1-butanol and NaI as a promoter. The principal products obtained are N, N'-diphenylurea and 1-butyl-N-phenylcarbamate. Key words: cobalt, oxidative carbonylation, aniline, N, N'- ...