Nitro to amine reductions using aqueous flow catalysis under ambient conditions
Mahzad Yaghmaei, Anabel E. Lanterna, J. C. Scaiano
Abstract
A catalyst based on Pd on glass wool ([email protected]) shows exceptional performance and durability for the reduction of nitrobenzene to aniline at room temperature and ambient pressure in aqueous solutions. The reaction is performed in a flow system and completed with 100% conversion under a variety of flow rates, 2 to 100 mLmin−1 (normal laboratory fast flow conditions). Sodium borohydride or dihydrogen perform well as reducing agents. Scale-up of the reaction to flows of 100 mLmin−1 also shows high conversions and robust catalytic performance. Catalyst deactivation can be readily corrected by flowing a NaBH4 solution. The catalytic system proves to be generally efficient, performing well with a range of nitroaromatic compounds. The shelf life of the catalyst is excellent and its reusability after 6-8 months of storage showed the same performance as for the fresh catalyst.