Continuous Selective Hydrogenation of Refametinib Iodo-nitroaniline Key Intermediate DIM-NA over Raney Cobalt Catalyst at kg/day Scale with Online UV–Visible Conversion Control

Organic synthesis in flow mode by selective liquid-phase hydrogenation over heterogeneous non-noble metal catalysts

Flow hydrogenation performed over heterogeneous catalysts makes organic synthesis more economical, safe and environmentally friendly. Over the past two decades, a significant amount of research with a major focus on noble metal catalysts has been carried out in this area. However, catalysts based on non-noble metals (Ni, Cu, Co, etc.) are more promising for practical use due to their low cost and high availability. This review article discusses the use of supported and bulk non-noble metal catalysts for the liquid-phase hydrogenation of bi- and polyfunctional organic compounds in flow mode. The main attention is paid to the selective reduction of one functional group (NO2, CC, CN, CO, and CN) in the presence of other substituents. In addition, cascade synthetic protocols involving hydrogenation are presented.

Multiphasic Continuous-Flow Reactors for Handling Gaseous Reagents in Organic Synthesis: Enhancing Efficiency and Safety in Chemical Processes

The use of reactive gaseous reagents for the production of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) remains a scientific challenge due to safety and efficiency limitations. The implementation of continuous-flow reactors has resulted in rapid development of gas-handling technology because of several advantages such as increased interfacial area, improved mass- and heat transfer, and seamless scale-up. This technology enables shorter and more atom-economic synthesis routes for the production of pharmaceutical compounds. Herein, we provide an overview of literature from 2016 onwards in the development of gas-handling continuous-flow technology as well as the use of gases in functionalization of APIs.

Sustainable Catalytic Transformation of Biomass-Derived 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural to 2,5-Bis(hydroxymethyl)tetrahydrofuran

5-Hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF), one of the most important platform molecules in biorefinery, can be directly obtained from a vast diversity of biomass materials. Owing to the reactive functional groups (-CHO and -CH₂ OH) in the structure, this versatile building block undertakes several transformations to provide a wealth of high value-added products. Among numerous well-established paradigms, the catalytic hydrogenation of 5-HMF towards 2,5-bis(hydroxymethyl)tetrahydrofuran (BHMTHF) is of great interest because this downstream diol can be exploited in a wide range of industrial applications. Not surprisingly, incessant endeavors from both academia and industry to upgrade this catalytic process have been established over the years. The main aim of this Review was to provide a comprehensive overview on the development of heterogeneous metal catalysts for the 5-HMF-to-BHMTHF transformation. Herein, the rational design and utility of hydrogenating catalysts were elaborated in many aspects including metal types (Ni, Co, Pd, Ru, Pt, and bimetals), solid supports, preparation method, recyclability, operating conditions, and reaction regime (batch and continuous flow). In addition, the assessment of cooperative catalysts to convert carbohydrates into BHMTHF under one-pot cascade, tentative mechanism, as well as prospects and challenges for the chemo-selective hydrogenation of 5-HMF were also highlighted.

Selective hydrogenation of nitroaromatics to N-arylhydroxylamines in a micropacked bed reactor with passivated catalyst

In this contribution, a protocol was established for the selective catalytic hydrogenation of nitroarenes to the corresponding N-arylhydroxylamines. The reduction of 1-(4-chlorophenyl)-3-((2-nitrobenzyl)oxy)-1H-pyrazole, an intermediate in the synthesis of the antifungal reagent pyraclostrobin that includes carbon–chlorine bonds, benzyl groups, carbon–carbon double bonds and other structures that are easily reduced, was chosen as the model reaction for catalyst evaluation and condition optimization. Extensive passivant evaluation showed that RANEY®-nickel treated with ammonia/DMSO (1 : 10, v/v) afforded the optimal result, especially with a particle size of 400–500 mesh. To combine the modified catalyst with continuous-flow reaction technology, the reaction was conducted at room temperature, rendering the desired product with a conversion rate of 99.4% and a selectivity of 99.8%. The regeneration of catalytic activity was also studied, and an in-column strategy was developed by pumping the passivate liquid overnight. Finally, the generality of the method was explored, and 7 substrates were developed, most of which showed a good conversion rate and selectivity, indicating that the method has a certain degree of generality.

High selective hydrogenation of nitroaromatics to n-arylhydroxylamines in a micropacked bed reactor with passivated catalyst.

Reduction of Nitro Compounds Using 3d-Non-Noble Metal Catalysts

The reduction of nitro compounds to the corresponding amines is one of the most utilized catalytic processes in the fine and bulk chemical industry. The latest development of catalysts with cheap metals like Fe, Co, Ni, and Cu has led to their tremendous achievements over the last years prompting their greater application as "standard" catalysts. In this review, we will comprehensively discuss the use of homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysts based on non-noble 3d-metals for the reduction of nitro compounds using various reductants. The different systems will be revised considering both the catalytic performances and synthetic aspects highlighting also their advantages and disadvantages.