Selective reduction of nitro group to amine, in benzene ring containing nitrile?

Question

I would like to know if there is a possible route of synthesis that may reduce 3-nitrobenzonitrile A to 3-aminobenzonitrile B.

I would normally reduce a nitro to an amine using $\ce{Pd/C}$ and $\ce{H2}$, but since the nitrile is sensitive to this method, I need an alternative.

Answer 1

My answer is intended to support Waylander's suggestion elsewhere. I thought it'd be better to give OP some insight of this reduction mentioned (Ref.1). To my knowledge, after doing thorough literature search, the aromatic nitro group reduction by $\ce{SnCl2.2H2O}$ is the best method so far in the presence of other sensitive groups such as nitrile group on the aromatic nucleus. The abstract of the reference 1 stated that:

Aromatic nitro compounds are readily reduced by $\ce{SnCl2.2H2O}$ in alcohol or ethyl acetate or by anhydrous $\ce{SnCl2}$ in alcohol where other reducible or acid sensitive groups such as aldehyde, ketone, ester, cyano, halogen, and O-benzyl remain unaffected.

This point is depicted in following diagram as two examples given in Ref.1:

However, as shown in the separate box in the diagram (under the title, Stephen reduction of nitriles), if you use $\ce{HCl}$ (hydrogen chloride gas) with $\ce{SnCl2}$ as other suggestions, the result would be different (Ref.2). $\ce{HCl}$ is added to the nitrile group to give the imidoyl chloride salt first, which is then reduced by the tin(II) chloride. The initial product is the complex with $\ce{SnCl4}$ (which is often crystalline) that is then hydrolyzed to the corresponding aldehyde (see the insert in the diagram).

For the convenience of OP and other readers, I'd include a typical reduction procedure in Ref.1:

The reduction of p-nitrobenzoic acid: A mixture of $\pu{1.67 g}$ ($\pu{0.01 mol}$) of p-nitrobenzoic acid and $\pu{11.275 g}$ ($\pu{0.05 mol}$) of $\ce{SnCl2.2H2O}$ in $\pu{20 mL}$ of absolute ethanol is heated at $\pu{70 ^\circ C}$ under nitrogen. After $\pu{30 min}$ the starting material has disappeared and the solution is allowed to cool down and then poured into ice. The $\mathrm{pH}$ is made slightly basic ($\mathrm{pH}\ 7-8$) by addition of 5% aqueous sodium bicarbonate before being extracted with ethyl acetate. The organic phase is thoroughly washed with brine, treated with charcoal and dried over sodium sulfate. Evaporation of the solvent leaves $\pu{1.5 g}$ ($94.5\%$) of p-aminobenzoic acid, which gives one spot on TLC and melts over $\pu{300 ^\circ C}$.

References:

1. F. D. Bellamy, K. Ou, “Selective reduction of aromatic nitro compounds with stannous chloride in non acidic and non aqueous medium,” Tetrahedron Letters 1984, 25(8), 839-842 (https://doi.org/10.1016/S0040-4039(01)80041-1).
2. James A. Knight, Harry D. Zook, “Reduction of Aliphatic Nitriles by the Stephen Reaction,” J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1952, 74(18), 4560-4562 (https://doi.org/10.1021/ja01138a031).

Answer 2

$\ce{SnCl2.2H2O}$ in refluxing $\ce{EtOAc}$ as reported by Bellamy & Ou here will do this very cleanly. Work up into ice then add concentrated $\ce{NaOH}$ until you get phase separation. I have done this transformation.

Answer 3

Reduce a nitro to an amine using 1% Pt on carbon and $\ce{H2}$, since the nitrile is sensitive to Pd/C catalyst. I have done reduction of this type material using Selective 1% Pt on carbon grade and low hydrogen pressure, at ton level.