Reduction of Nitro Compounds to Amines
Reduction of Nitro Compounds to Amines: Reduction of Nitro Group to Nitroso Group
In the first step of the reduction, the positively charged nitrogen atom takes up an electron with concomitant addition of a proton to the double-bonded oxygen.
After the addition of a second proton, water is eliminated yielding the nitroso compound.
In neutral or weakly acidic solution, the reaction can be stopped at the hydroxylamine stage. The N-substituted hydroxylamine can be isolated and under certain conditions re-oxidized to the nitroso compound.