The Direct Synthesis of Imines, Benzimidazoles and Quinoxalines from Nitroarenes and Carbonyl Compounds by Selective Nitroarene Hydrogenation Employing a Reusable Iron Catalyst

The replacement of noble metals by earth abundant metals is a desirable aim in catalysis and a possible way of conserving rare elements. The replacement is especially attractive if novel selectivity patterns are observed permitting the development of novel coupling reactions. Herein, we report on a novel, robust and reusable iron catalyst, which permits the selective hydrogenation of nitroarenes in the presence of hydrogenation-sensitive functional groups. Based on the selectivity pattern observed, the direct iron-catalyzed synthesis of imines and benzimidazoles from nitroarenes and aldehydes becomes feasible. In addition, we introduce the direct synthesis of quinoxalines from nitroarenes and diketones applying our catalyst.