Graphene from Alginate Pyrolysis as a Metal-Free Catalyst for Hydrogenation of Nitro Compounds

Graphical Abstract

Graphene catalysis: Graphene, obtained by pyrolysis of natural polysaccharide alginate and subsequent exfoliation of the turbostratic graphitic residue, promotes hydrogenation of nitro groups at higher, but similar, rates to carbon–carbon multiple bonds. Aromatic, conjugated, and aliphatic nitro groups undergo hydrogenation in the presence of graphene as metal-free catalyst, the reactivity depending on the substrate.

Abstract

Graphene obtained by pyrolysis of alginate at 900 °C under inert atmosphere and exfoliation is used as a metal-free catalyst for reduction of nitro to amino groups with hydrogen as a reagent. The process is general for aromatic and aliphatic, conjugated and isolated nitro groups, and occurs with low selectivity over hydrogenation of carbon–carbon double bonds.