Synthesis of o-Nitroarylamines via Ipso Nucleophilic Substitution of Sulfonic Acids.

A mild, efficient, and eco-friendly method for the synthesis of o-nitroarylamine from o-nitroaryl sulfonic acid via ipso nucleophilic aryl substitution by amine is described. The products have been obtained with good yields at room temperature without the assistance of any metal, activating agent, or toxic oxidant. This method is useful for racemization-free synthesis of N-aryl amino acid esters.