Pd/C-catalyzed transfer hydrogenation of aromatic nitro compounds using methanol as a hydrogen source

Abstract

We describe the selective transfer hydrogenation of aromatic nitro compounds to anilines using Pd/C as a heterogeneous catalyst with methanol as a green reductant. Nitroarenes bearing both electron-releasing and electron-deficient groups are amenable to this method and enable the synthesis of corresponding arylamines in moderate to good selectivities including the synthesis of butamben, a local anesthictic drug molecule. This new concise protocol is simple, ligand-free and does not require the supply of external molecular hydrogen.