Fe-mediated synthesis of N-aryl amides from nitroarenes and acyl chlorides

Amides are prevalent in nature and valuable functional compounds in agrochemical, pharmaceutical, and materials industries. In this work, we developed a selective and mild method for the synthesis of N-aryl amides. Starting from commercially available nitroarenes and acyl halides, N-aryl amides with good yields can be obtained in water. Especially in the process of transformation, Fe dust is the only reductant and additive, and the reaction can be easily performed on a large scale.