In Situ Generated Iron Oxide Nanocrystals as Efficient and Selective Catalysts for the Reduction of Nitroarenes using a Continuous Flow Method

The best of both worlds: The benefits of homogeneous and heterogeneous nanocatalysis are combined, whereby highly reactive colloidal Fe3O4 nanocrystals are generated in situ that remain in solution long enough to allow the efficient and selective reduction of nitroarenes to anilines in continuous-flow mode (see scheme). After completion of the reaction, the nanoparticles aggregate and can be recovered by a magnet.