In situ generated iridium nanoparticle-catalyzed highly efficient hydrogenation of nitroarenes
Chaoyue Yu1, Zixiang Wei1, Devendar Ponnam1
1Yunnan Key Laboratory of Chiral Functional Substance Research and Application, Yunnan Minzu University, Kunming, Yunnan 650500, China. FanBM@ynni.edu.cn.
Organic & Biomolecular Chemistry
|July 7, 2026
Summary
This study introduces an efficient method for converting nitroarenes to anilines using iridium nanoparticles (NPs). The process achieves high yields with diverse substrates under mild conditions, offering a scalable and impurity-free synthesis route.
Area of Science:
- Organic Chemistry
- Catalysis
- Materials Science
Background:
- Catalytic hydrogenation of nitroarenes to anilines is crucial but often faces challenges with hazardous intermediates and high catalyst loadings.
- Developing efficient and mild catalytic systems remains a key objective in synthetic chemistry.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a highly efficient and scalable catalytic system for the hydrogenation of nitroarenes to anilines.
- To utilize in situ generated iridium nanoparticles (NPs) for this transformation under mild conditions.
Main Methods:
- Employing a commercially available iridium pre-catalyst, [Ir(COD)Cl]2, for in situ generation of active Ir NPs.
- Conducting the hydrogenation of various functionalized nitroarenes under mild conditions (50 °C, 60 atm H2).
- Utilizing mechanistic investigations to elucidate the reaction pathway.
Main Results:
- Achieved remarkable efficiency with high substrate-to-catalyst ratios (S/C = 1000-100,000).
- Obtained quantitative conversion and excellent isolated yields (up to 99%) for 42 diverse nitroarene substrates.
- Demonstrated suppression of N-N-coupled byproducts via a direct hydrogenation pathway.
- Showcased practical utility through gram-scale and solvent-free applications.
Conclusions:
- The developed Ir NP catalyst system provides a scalable, efficient, and impurity-free method for synthesizing functionalized anilines.
- This work sets a new benchmark for the catalytic hydrogenation of nitroarenes, offering a practical alternative to existing methods.
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