Nitro Compounds/Alcohols as Oxidant/Reductant Pairs: A Practical Synthesis of Azo Compounds and Ketones

Abstract

Herein, a practical and green method for synthesis of azobenzenes and ketones is reported using nitro compounds/alcohols as oxidant/reductant pairs under basic conditions. Alcohols and nitro compounds are oxidized/reduced in the absence of any metal catalysts under mild conditions and good yields of the corresponding ketones and azobenzenes are achieved selectively. In addition, the alcohols can be oxidized even with KNO3 or NaNO2.