Cobalt Complexes Catalyze Reduction of Nitro Compounds: Mechanistic Studies

Abstract Mononuclear Co 2+/3+ complexes of 13‐membered amide‐based macrocycles have been synthesized, characterized and utilized in the chemo‐selective reduction of assorted nitro compounds including aromatic, heterocyclic and aliphatic ones. Catalytic results illustrate that Co 3+ complexes are better catalysts than the analogous Co 2+ complexes while mechanistic investigations display the generation of an [(L)Co 2+ (μ‐NH 2 NH 2 )Co 2+ (L)] intermediate during the catalysis.