Colloid and Nanosized Catalysts in Organic Synthesis: XXI. Reduction of Nitroarenes Catalyzed by Immobilized Nickel Nanoparticles

It has been found that nickel nanoparticles on NaX zeolite, γ-alumina, activated carbon, or magnesium oxide support catalyze the reduction of nitrobenzene and its homologs affording aniline and its derivatives in high yield. The effect of the substrate on the process in a continuous reactor at atmospheric hydrogen pressure has been investigated. The use of activated carbon or magnesium oxide as a carrier allows proceeding of the reaction at 80–100°C.