Catalytic reduction of nitroaromatics with carbon monoxide and water using tricarbonyltetraphenylcyclopentadienone ruthenium(0)

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/0022-328X(89)85414-2

The complex (η⁴-Ph4C4C=O)(CO)3Ru (1) is a catalyst precursor in the reduction reaction of nitroarenes to anilines by CO and H2O.Azoxybenzenes and azobenzenes are by-products formed in variable quantities depending on the reaction conditions and the nature of the nitroarene used.Analysis of the reaction solution in the reaction involving nitrobenzene has revealed the presence of several complexes, including (η⁴-Ph4C4C=O)(CO)2Ru(H2NPh) (5), which was prepared independently; The behaviour of 5 under catalysis conditions was studied.Complex 1 did not catalyze hydrogenation of nitrobenzene.A multi-step catalytic reduction scheme is pr posed.