Mild and Efficient Heterogeneous Hydrogenation of Nitroarenes Facilitated by a Pyrolytically Activated Dinuclear Ni(II)-Ce(III) Diimine Complex

We communicate the assembly of a solid, Ce-promoted Ni-based composite that was applied as catalyst for the hydrogenation of nitroarenes to afford the corresponding organic amines. The catalytically active material described herein was obtained through pyrolysis of a SiO-pellet-supported bimetallic Ni-Ce complex that was readily synthesized prior to use from a MeO-functionalized salen congener, Ni(OAc)·4 HO, and Ce(NO)·6 HO. Rewardingly, the requisite ligand for the pertinent solution phase precursor was accessible upon straightforward and time-saving imine condensation of -vanillin with 1,3-diamino-2,2'-dimethylpropane. The introduced catalytic protocol is operationally simple in that the whole reaction set-up is quickly put together on the bench without the need of cumbersome handling in a glovebox or related containment systems. Moreover, the advantageous geometry and compact-sized nature of the used pellets renders the catalyst separation and recycling exceptionally easy.