Chemoselective reductions of nitroarenes:: bromoethanol-assisted phthalocyanatoiron/NaBH4 reductions

Porphyrinatoiron/NaBH4 and a novel phthalocyanatoiron/NaBH4 catalyst systems were investigated for the reductions of nitroarenes. The phthalocyanatoiron/NaBH4 system was superior to the porphyrinatairon/NaBH4 system. The reductions were performed in good yields and excellent chemoselectivities. The rate of reduction by the PcFe/NaBH4 system increased upon the addition of 2-bromoethanol. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.