Hydrogenation of chloronitrobenzenes over filamentous carbon stabilized nickel nanoparticles

Ni nanoparticles and filamentous carbon were generated simultaneously by decomposing methane over Raney nickel catalyst. Nickel nanoparticles were stabilized by filamentous carbon. The Ni–filamentous carbon composite materials were tested as catalysts for the hydrogenation of ortho- and para-chloronitrobenzene, producing chloroanilines selectively (99% yield). The catalysts exclusively reduce the nitro group in chloronitrobenzenes, leaving the C–Cl bond untouched. A possible explanation for this catalyst selectivity is discussed on the basis of XPS data.