Efficient one-pot hydrogenation and acetylation of 4-nitrophenol for selective synthesis of 4-aminophenol and paracetamol with a reusable Ni catalyst†

Paracetamol, a widely used analgesic and antipyretic, is in high demand globally, necessitating its large-scale synthesis. Herein, carbon supported earth-abundant Ni nanoparticles were prepared using the impregnation and reduction method. The Ni nanoparticle catalyst exhibited excellent catalytic activity in the one-pot hydrogenation and acetylation of 4-nitrophenol for the synthesis of 4-aminophenol and paracetamol at 80 °C under 10 bar H₂. Compared to previous methods, this protocol enables the selective synthesis of amide drug molecules to be more cost-effective, efficient, and stable, offering significant potential value. These advancements provide an alternative to traditional paracetamol synthesis techniques burdened by environmental challenges.