An abnormal N-heterocyclic carbene based nickel complex for catalytic reduction of nitroarenes

Herein we report the synthesis of a nickel(ii) dichloro complex bearing an abnormal N-heterocyclic carbene (aNHC). The NiCl2(aNHC)2 complex has been used as an efficient catalyst for the reduction of nitroarenes with hydrosilanes to give aromatic amines in good to excellent yields. This catalytic protocol can tolerate functional groups such as halides, alkenes or nitriles. Furthermore, the longevity of the catalyst was tested in successive catalytic cycles, which indicates a sustained catalytic activity over multiple catalytic cycles.