Zn(0)-Catalysed mild and selective hydrogenation of nitroarenes

Abstract

The hydrogenation of nitroarenes is one of the most important strategies for the preparation of anilines. However, it is still a great challenge to develop mild and efficient synthetic routes toward aniline synthesis, particularly those employing both non-precious metal catalysts and low-pressure H₂. Herein, we report a highly efficient protocol for the selective hydrogenation of nitroarenes in neutral H₂O using H₂ (1 atm) over a heterogeneous Zn(0) catalyst under mild conditions. The nitro groups of an array of nitroarenes can be converted into –NH₂ with up to 99% conversions and a selectivity of >99%, even when functionalized with easily reducible substituents, or in the presence of aromatic ketones or styrene. This study might open an avenue for the selective hydrogenation of nitroarenes over a zinc catalyst using 1 atm H₂.