A simple synthesis of anilines by LiAlH4/TiCl4 reduction of aromatic nitro compounds

A rapid and efficient single-step synthesis of substituted anilines has been developed. The aromatic nitro compounds were reduced by using reducing systems generated by the action of an excess of LiAlH4 on TiCl4. Anilines substituted with different functional groups were synthesized in high yields and purity starting from the corresponding nitro compounds. The developed procedure is applicable to nitroaromatics containing both electron withdrawing and electron donating substituents. Substrates with electron donor substituents require a larger excess of LiAlH4. The reducing power of the prepared reactant systems depends on the used molar ratio of LiAlH4 and TiCl4. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.