Selective reduction of 2,4-dinitro- and 4,5-dinitroimidazole derivatives using iron dust

摘要

(Chemical Equation Presented) A series of N-substituted 2,4-dinitroimidazoles, 4,5-dinitroimidazoles, and 2-methyl-4,5-dinitroimidazoles have been selectively reduced to the corresponding aminonitroimidazole derivatives, using iron dust in glacial acetic acid at room temperature. 2,4-Dinitroimidazoles have been reduced to the 2-amino-4-nitro-derivatives only but 4,5-dinitroimidazoles have given 4-amino-5-nitro- or 5-amino-4- nitroderivatives depended on the structure of the N-substituent.