Pd-catalyzed silicon hydride reductions of aromatic and aliphatic nitro groups

Room-temperature reduction of aromatic nitro groups to amines can be accomplished in high yield, with wide functional group tolerance and short reaction times (30 min) using a combination of palladium(11) acetate, aqueous potassium fluoride, and polymethylhydrosiloxane (PMHS). Replacing PMHS/KF with triethylsilane allows aliphatic nitro groups to be reduced to their hydroxylamines.