Homogenous nickel-catalyzed chemoselective transfer hydrogenation of functionalized nitroarenes with ammonia-borane

Homogeneous Ni-catalyzed highly selective transfer hydrogenation of nitroarenes was successfully established using NH3BH3 as a hydrogen source. A broad range of functional groups were selectively reduced to provide the corresponding anilines in good to high yields. Further, pharmaceutically active compounds can be prepared that would otherwise be challenging to access. Homogeneous Ni-catalyzed highly chemoselective transfer hydrogenation of functionalized nitroarenes was successfully established using ammonia-borane as a hydrogen source.