Ultra-small FeS2 nanoparticles for highly efficient chemoselective transfer hydrogenation of nitroarenes

Abstract

Ultra-small FeS₂ nanoparticles were prepared and used as catalysts in a hydrogen transfer reaction for the synthesis of substituted anilines. The catalytic performance is superior to current systems across all reactions, within the timeframe of two hours (100% conversion, 99.9% selectivity and activation energy 26.8 kJ mol⁻¹). The superior catalytic performance was consistent across hydrogen transfer reactions with a number of different nitroarene substrates. Ultra-small FeS₂ nanocatalyst, with size 3–6 nm, were prepared via solvothermal method, utilizing oleylamine as a capping agent and a combination of milder temperature (160 °C) and longer reaction time than those reported to date. Tests on recyclability confirmed that the FeS₂ nanocatalyst remains highly chemoselective, up to four cycles.