Reduction of nitroarenes by boron triiodide generated in situ
An efficient reduction of nitroarenes using KBH? and I? via the in situ formation of BI? has recently been published by F. J. Williams and Coll., as outlined in the Scheme below. These reducing conditions are compatible with the presence of ketone and nitrile functions, as well as halogens, although the reducing species BI? is a relatively strong Lewis acid.
?
A mechanism involving BI? is proposed for this reduction.
[1] A. C?orkovic?, T. Chiarella, F. J. Williams,Org. Lett.2023, 25, 8787-8791.