Synthesis and characterization of Ni nanoparticles-polyvinylamine/SBA-15 catalyst for simple reduction of aromatic nitro compounds

This work concerns the preparation and characterization of Nickel nanoparticle-PVAm/SBA-15, a polymer-inorganic hybrid composite, which was effectively employed as a novel heterogeneous catalyst for reduction of aromatic nitro compounds in the presence of NaBH4 as a reducing agent. The reaction was carried out in room temperature and an aqueous medium. The catalyst showed good activity for the reduction of a number of aromatic nitro compounds yielding the respective amine compounds in excellent yield (similar to 98%) at room temperature along with good reusability. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.