One-step double reduction of aryl nitro and carbonyl groups using hydrazine

Single-step reduction of aryl nitro and carbonyl groups to the corresponding synthetically useful alkyl-anilines occurs with excellent yields by treatment with hydrazine and a base in a solvent-free reaction. The method has been applied to a broad range of compounds with different properties. Investigations into the mechanism of the reduction reveal that each group is reduced independently. A mechanism is proposed for this novel reduction of aromatic nitro groups.