An Exceptionally Stable Ti Superoxide Radical Ion: A Novel Heterogeneous Catalyst for the Direct Conversion of Aromatic Primary Amines to Nitro Compounds

Abstract

A matrix-bound superoxide radical anion, generated by treating Ti(OR)₄ (R=iPr, nBu) with H₂ O₂ , is a selective heterogeneous catalyst for the oxidation of anilines to the corresponding nitroarenes with 50 % aqueous H₂ O₂ [Eq. (1)]. Yields of 82-98 % are obtained, even with anilines bearing electron-withdrawing substituents (R=NO₂ , COOH).