Palladium-Catalyzed One-Pot Diarylamine Formation from Nitroarenes and Cyclohexanones

The first palladium-catalyzed diarylamine formation from nitroarenes and cyclohexanone derivatives using borrowed hydrogen is described. Various diarylamines were selectively obtained in good to excellent yields. The reaction tolerated a wide range of functionalities. The nitro reduction, cyclohexanone dehydrogenation, and imine formation and reduction were realized in a cascade without an external reducing reagent and oxidant.