The present invention discloses a one-pot process for production of paracetamol from  para-nitrophenol. The present invention discloses preparation of N-(2-amino benzyl)-N-5 methylcyclohexylamine as the intermediate by the nitro-reduction of N-(2-nitrobenzyl)-N-methylcyclohexylamine for production of bromhexine. Further, the present invention also discloses the process for preparing para-aminophenol (PAP) by the nitro-reduction of para-nitrophenol. The invention provides, inter alia, methods for the preparation of compounds using heterogeneous recyclable catalyst. The methods of the present invention are useful for the preparation of a wide array of compounds. The compounds are synthesized rapidly, substantially free of side products and mostly does not require any purification. In particular, the methods of present invention are useful for preparing pharmaceutically active compounds or their intermediates.