Reduction of nitro compounds carrying electron withdrawing groups: A convenient approach without metal catalyst

Abstract

Abstract In this communication we report a convenient reduction technique for conversion of electron deficient aromatic nitro compounds to corresponding amino derivatives using hydrazine hydrate without any metal catalyst. The reduction process is carried out in different solvents under heating condition and microwave irradiation. In this method three novel substituted amines were synthesized from their respective nitro compounds with quantitative yield. Interestingly, the reduction process went smoothly without formation of any side product. The reaction is highly selective to nitro compounds without affecting ester functionality. Further it has been observed that the nature of substituent attached to nitro compound has a major role in reduction rate. As electron withdrawing nature increases the reduction takes place faster. Also it has been observed that the reaction is even faster in microwave irradiation without using of any organic solvent. The probable mechanism of reduction of nitro compound has been highlighted.