A Novel Synthesis of N-Arylamides from Nitroarenes via Reductive N-Acylation with Red Phosphorus and Iodine

A series of N-arylamides and imides were synthesized via reductive N-acylation of nitroarenes with red phosphorus and carboxylic acids, catalyzed by iodine or iodides; an I - /I 0 redox cycle was proposed to promote the reaction.