Chemoselective reductions of nitroaromatics in water at room temperature.

A robust and green protocol for the reduction of functionalized nitroarenes to the corresponding primary amines has been developed. It relies on inexpensive zinc dust in water containing nanomicelles derived from the commercially available designer surfactant TPGS-750-M. This mild process takes place at room temperature and tolerates a wide range of functionalities. Highly selective reductions can also be achieved in the presence of common protecting groups.