Synthesis of imines from nitrobenzene and TiO₂ particles suspended in alcohols via semiconductor photocatalysis type B

UV irradiation on a non-aqueous suspension of titanium dioxide with nitrobenzene and different alcohols in deaerated conditions produces imines and aniline as main products. The conversion of nitrobenzene and the corresponding selectivity of imines or aniline depend on the type of alcohol used. A low conversion (3-12%) and selectivity close to 100% to imines were obtained with methyl, ethyl, or propyl alcohol. Otherwise, using i-propanol only aniline was detected with a conversion of 13%. Finally, a mixture of aniline and imines was formed employing n-butyl, n-amyl, and i-amyl alcohols with the higher conversion (∼50%).