Cobalt catalyzed chemoselective reduction of nitroarenes: hydrosilylation under thermal and photochemical reaction conditions

Commercially available Co-2(CO)(8) was used as an effective catalyst for the hydrosilylation of nitroarenes under both thermal and photochemical conditions. A wide variety of nitroarenes with various functionalities were selectively reduced to aromatic amines. Syntheses of drug molecules expand the potential utility of this protocol. Experimental evidence suggested a radical pathway.

Automated summary

Commercially available Co-2(CO)(8) is an effective catalyst for the hydrosilylation of nitroarenes under thermal and photochemical conditions. This protocol selectively reduces a wide variety of nitroarenes with different functionalities to aromatic amines, expanding its potential utility in drug synthesis. Experimental evidence supports a radical pathway for this reaction.