Copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) catalyzed chemoselective reduction of nitroarenes in aqueous medium

Abstract: A procedure for practical synthesis of CuNPs from CuSO4·5H2O is established, under appropriate reaction conditions, using rice (Oryza sativa) as an economic source of reducing as well as a stabilizing agent. Optical and microscopic techniques are employed for the characterization of the synthesized CuNPs and the sizes of the particles were found to be in the range of 8 ± 2 nm. The nanoparticles are used as a catalyst for chemoselective reduction of aromatic nitro compounds to corresponding amines under ambient conditions and water as a reaction medium. Graphic abstract: CuNPs are synthesized using hydrolysed rice and used as catalyst for chemoselective reduction of nitroarenes to their corresponding amines in water. [Figure not available: see fulltext.]