Nanolayered Co–Mo–S Catalysts for the Chemoselective Hydrogenation of Nitroarenes

Nanolayered molybdenum disulfide cobalt-promoted materials (Co–Mo–S) have been established as chemoselective catalysts for the hydrogenation of nitroarenes under relatively mild conditions. Co–Mo–S catalysts have been prepared by a one-pot hydrothermal synthesis that allows the formation of unsupported catalysts with a large number of active sites per unit volume. Via application of these catalysts, the hydrogenation of the nitro functionality has been performed selectively in the presence of double and triple bonds, aldehydes, ketones, and carboxylic acid derivative groups, thus affording the corresponding anilines in good to excellent yields. Interestingly, the partial hydrogenation of some dinitroarenes has also been successfully accomplished. In addition, its catalytic performance has been evaluated for the preparation of the bioactive compound paracetamol through a one-pot direct hydrogenative amidation reaction.