Activation of reducing agents. Sodium hydride containing complex reducing agents, part 34. Complete or partial reduction of aromatic nitro compounds

It is shown that, with some limitations, Complex Reducing Agentst (MCRA where M is a metal salt) allow selective reduction of aromatic nitro compounds. NiCRA leads to the corresponding anilines while ZnCRA and CdCRA respectively lead mainly to azoxy and azo derivatives. Yields vary from very good to excellent.