Iron-Catalyzed Hydrogen Transfer Reduction of Nitroarenes with Alcohols: Synthesis of Imines and Aza Heterocycles

A straightforward and selective reduction of nitroarenes with various alcohols was efficiently developed using an iron catalyst via a hydrogen transfer methodology. This protocol led specifically to imines in 30–91% yields, with a good functional group tolerance. Noticeably, starting from o-nitroaniline derivatives, in the presence of alcohols, benzimidazoles can be obtained in 64–72% yields when the reaction was performed with an additional oxidant, DDQ, and quinoxalines were prepared from 1,2-diols in 28–96% yields. This methodology, unprecedented at iron for imines, also provides a sustainable alternative for the preparation of quinoxalines and benzimidazoles.