Transition metal based ionic liquid (bulk and nanofiber composites) used as catalyst for reduction of aromatic nitro compounds under mild conditions

Ionic liquid (1,1'-hexane-1,6-diylbis (3-methylpyridinium) tetrachloronickelate (II)) and PVDF-IL ([C-6(mpy)(2)][NiCl4](2-)) nanofiber composites are synthesized and used as catalysts for the reduction of nitroarenes with NaBH4/H2O system at ambient temperature. Ionic liquid containing nickel halide anion well dispersed on the PVDF nanofibers. It efficiently catalyzes the reduction of functionalized nitroarenes to the corresponding substituted anilines, avoiding the need for inert atmosphere, and additional base or other additives. The catalytic system gives good yields with other functional groups remaining intact.