Novel C–N bond cleavage and formation in the polyoxometalates-catalyzed oxidation of nitroaromatics with 30% aqueous H2O2: An unprecedented disproportionation of nitroaromatics affording dinitroaromatics

In the presence of catalytic amount of K7NiV13O38 · 16H2O and 30% aqueous hydrogen peroxide, the disproportionation of nitroaromatic compounds occurs to give dinitro-substituted aromatic compounds. This novel disproportionation has disclosed an unprecedented process in which the carbon–nitrogen bond is catalytically cleaved and formed.