Reductive Denitration of Nitroarenes.

The Pd-catalyzed reductive denitration of nitroarenes has been achieved via a direct cleavage of the C-NO2 bonds. The catalytic conditions reported exhibit a broad substrate scope and good functional-group compatibility. Notably, the use of inexpensive propan-2-ol as a mild reductant suppresses the competitive formation of anilines, which are normally formed by other conventional reductions. Mechanistic studies have revealed that alcohols serve as efficient hydride donors in this reaction, possibly through β-hydride elimination from palladium alkoxides.