Porphyrinatoiron/NaBH4 and a novel phthalocyanatoiron/NaBH4 catalyst systems were investigated for the reductions of nitroarenes. The phthalocyanatoiron/NaBH4 system was superior to the porphyrinatoiron/NaBH4 system. The reductions were performed in good yields and excellent chemoselectivities. The rate of reduction by the PcFe/NaBH4 system increased upon the addition of 2-bromoethanol.
[Wang, Xiao Jian; Xi, Mei Yang; Fu, Ji Hua; Zhang, Fu Rong; Cheng, Gui Fang; Yin, Da Li; You, Qi Dong Chinese Chemical Letters, 2012 , vol. 23, # 6 p. 707 - 710]