Nanocellulose as a Reaction Media and Stoichiometric Reagent for FeCl<sub>3</sub>-Mediated Reductive Functionalization of Nitro Compounds
Satenik Mkrtchyan, Vishal B. Purohit, Jiří Zapletal, Oleksandr Shalimov, Viktor O. Iaroshenko
Abstract
High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide Among a wide array of synthetic amides, N-aryl/alkyl amides are an important class of structural motifs having significant importance in pharmaceutical and agrochemical industries. In this regard, a rapid, low-cost, and environmentally friendly synthesis of N-aryl/alkyl amides still remains in a high demand. Herein, we report a convenient route for the mechanochemical synthesis of N-aryl/alkyl amides via FeCl 3 -catalyzed reductive amidation of nitro compounds, as well as acylation of aliphatic/aromatic amines with carboxylic acids using nanocellulose as the reaction media/stoichiometric reducing agent. The protocol was found to be simple, efficient, and environmentally benign to obtain a diverse array of the respective amides with good to excellent yields. Furthermore, the use of nitro compounds, amines, and carboxylic acids as cheap and readily available starting materials, FeCl 3 as a nontoxic catalyst, and nanocellulose as the biodegradable reaction media as well as the stoichiometric reducing agent makes this protocol in the category of a green chemical transformation.