title: Nanoscale Fe2O3-based catalysts for selective hydrogenation of nitroarenes to anilines.
abstract: Production of anilines--key intermediates for the fine chemical, agrochemical, and pharmaceutical industries--relies on precious metal catalysts that selectively hydrogenate aryl nitro groups in the presence of other easily reducible functionalities. Herein, we report convenient and stable iron oxide (Fe2O3)-based catalysts as a more earth-abundant alternative for this transformation. Pyrolysis of iron-phenanthroline complexes on carbon furnishes a unique structure in which the active Fe2O3 particles are surrounded by a nitrogen-doped carbon layer. Highly selective hydrogenation of numerous structurally diverse nitroarenes (more than 80 examples) proceeded in good to excellent yield under industrially viable conditions.
authors.affiliation: Leibniz-Institut für Katalyse e.V. an der Universität Rostock, Albert-Einstein Strasse 29a, D-18059 Rostock, Germany.
authors.forename: Rajenahally V
authors.initials: RV
authors.lastname: Jagadeesh
authors.forename: Annette-Enrica
authors.initials: AE
authors.lastname: Surkus
authors.forename: Henrik
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Junge
authors.forename: Marga-Martina
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Pohl
authors.forename: Jörg
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Radnik
authors.forename: Jabor
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Rabeah
authors.forename: Heming
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Huan
authors.forename: Volker
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Schünemann
authors.forename: Angelika
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Brückner
authors.forename: Matthias
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Beller
mesh_terms: D000814:Aniline Compounds / Q000138:chemical synthesis*; D002384:Catalysis; D005290:Ferric Compounds / Q000737:chemistry*; D006865:Hydrogenation
chemical_list: D000814:Aniline Compounds; D005290:Ferric Compounds; C000499:ferric oxide