A simple synthesis of anilines by LiAlH4/TiCl4 reduction of aromatic nitro compounds

A rapid and efficient single-step synthesis of substituted anilines has been developed. The aromatic nitrocompounds were reduced by using reducing systems generated by the action of an excess of LiAlH4 onTiCl4. Anilines substituted with different functional groups were synthesized in high yields and puritystarting from the corresponding nitro compounds. The developed procedure is applicable to nitroaromaticscontaining both electron withdrawing and electron donating substituents. Substrates with electrondonor substituents require a larger excess of LiAlH4. The reducing power of the prepared reactant systemsdepends on the used molar ratio of LiAlH4 and TiCl4.