Nano Core-Shell Iron Oxide@Copper Hydroxide: A High Performance Recyclable Catalyst for NaBH4 Reduction of Nitroarenes to Arylamines

The reduction of nitroarenes is an important process as the products, aromatic amines, are versatile intermediates and precursors in the preparation of dyes, pharmaceuticals, pigments, agrochemicals and polymers [1,2]. A variety of procedures and reducing agents are available for this purpose [3]. The main limitations of these works were prolonged reaction time, low yields, harsh conditions, use of harmful organic solvents, tedious work‐up procedures and the use of expensive catalysts.In this work, we have used the nanomagnetic core-shell Fe3O4@Cu(OH)x as a heterogeneous catalyst for reduction of nitroarenes to arylamines in water (Figure 1). Remarkable reusability and easy separation of the nanocatalyst, high yields and mild reaction conditions as well as the benefits of using water as a green solvent are the advantages which make this protocol a perfect candidate for the reduction of nitroarens.