Facile transfer hydrogenation of azo compounds to hydrazo compounds and anilines by using Raney nickel and hydrazinium monoformate

Azo compounds are conveniently reduced to either partially reduced hydrazo compounds or completely reduced anilines by employing Raney nickel in presence of hydrazinium monoformate depending upon reaction conditions. The other reducible moieties like -COOH and halogens are tolerated. The reduction process is selective, rapid and high yielding.