Organocatalytic reduction of aromatic nitro compounds: the use of solid-supported phenyl(2-quinolyl)methanol

The reduction of aromatic nitro compounds has been performed employing a catalytic amount of Wang resin supported phenyl(2-quinolyl)methanol (Wang-PQM) in the presence of an excess of NaBH4 to regenerate the reactive reducing species at the end of the process. The reduction products are easily isolated through a simple filtration/extraction protocol, and the catalyst can be efficiently recovered and recycled. The condensation route is generally preferred, and azo- and/or hydrazoarenes can be easily prepared in high yields.