Preparation of Copper Nanoparticles and Catalytic Properties for the Reduction of Aromatic Nitro Compounds

Abstract

E-mail: zyduan@hebut.edu.cnReceived August 2, 2012, Accepted September 11, 2012A novel copper nanoparticles were synthesized from cupric sulfate using hydrazine as reducing reagents. Aseries of aromatic nitro compounds were reacted with sodium borohydride in the presence of the coppernanoparticles catalysts to afford the aromatic amino compounds in high yields. Additionally, the catalystssystem can be recycled and maintain a high catalytic effect in the reduction of aromatic nitro compounds.Key Words : Copper, Nanoparticles, Catalysis, Nitro reduction, Aromatic amino compounds IntroductionAromatic amino derivatives are pivotal intermediates forthe synthesis of biologically and pharmaceutically activemolecules. A number of amino aryl compounds have showntheir wide application in dyes, pharmaceuticals, rubber,synthetic resins, paints, plastics and other industries in recentyears.