Reduction of Nitriles, Amides and Nitro Compounds

Compounds containing cyano, amido or nitro groups can be reduced into the corresponding primary amines.

Nitriles can be reduced by hydrogen in the presence of platinum catalyst or by sodium in presence of ethanol to corresponding primary amines. Similarly, amides are reduced by LiAlH₄ to primary amines having same number of carbon atoms as in the starting amide. Reduction of nitro compounds can be carried out by using hydrochloric acid and a metal such as Sn or Fe. They can also be reduced with hydrogen in presence of Ni or Pt as catalyst.