The Zinin Reduction of Nitroarenes

Abstract

The Zinin reduction is a method for the reduction of nitroarenes by negative divalent sulfur. This versatile reaction can be carried out in the laboratory and for plant-scale manufacture of aromatic amines when other reduction media are destructive to sensitive compounds or result in undesired side reactions. The first reaction, used by Zinin, was to prepare aniline from nitrobenzene. It has been of great importance in the preparation of aromatic amines. Refinements in technique and a better understanding of the reaction mechanism should make this method attractive for the preparation of a variety of amines. Keywords: zinin reduction; nitroarenes; side reactions; nitro groups. nitrosoarenes; arylamines; azobenzene reduction; hydrazobenzene; experimental conditions