Catalytic and Electrocatalytic Hydrogenation of Nitroarenes

Functionalized aniline, as an important class of intermediates in industrial production, is in increasing demand in the course of rapid industrial and economic development. Hydrogenation of nitroarenes with low prices and wide sources to produce aniline is one of the most important means. Among them, catalytic hydrogenation is currently the dominant industrial production method in this field, while the electrocatalytic hydrogenation driven by renewable energy power generation is more promising in the context of current sustainable development. Aiming at the problems existing in the industrial production of nitroarene hydrogenation, this Review first sorts out the development process of relevant catalysts mainly from the two aspects of improving selectivity and reducing costs. Then, we have also compiled in situ characterizations and theoretical calculations for related mechanistic studies as well as a class of soluble redox mediators that can facilitate the electrochemical hydrogenation process. Finally, some of the issues that still need to be addressed in this research field are discussed, and several directions that may be feasible are proposed.