An efficient method has been developed for the synthesis of a series of anilides via a two in one reaction
of nitrobenzenes with anhydride in the presence of TiO2 as a nanocatalyst and photocatalyst under sunlight
or blue LED irradiation. In this method simultaneously, nitrobenzenes convert to the corresponding
anilines via photocatalytic reduction on the TiO2 surface, and a condensation of aniline with the
anhydride performed on the Lewis acid site of the TiO2 surface. Interestingly amidation step leads to
the promotion of better reaction and good selectivity in reduction of nitrocompounds. This method is
simple, rapid, high yield, and green.
