Aromatic amines contain an amino group (NH2) attached to an aromatic ring. The preparation and reactions of aromatic amines involve various synthetic methods and chemical transformations. Here are some general methods for the preparation and reactions of aromatic amines:

Preparation of Aromatic Amines

1. Reductive Amination:

Reaction of nitroaromatic compounds with reducing agents (e.g., SnCl2/HCl) to convert the nitro group to an amino group.

2. Gabriel Synthesis:

Phthalimide is alkylated and then hydrolyzed to form a primary amine. The phthalimide is used to protect the amino group during alkylation.

3. Reduction of Nitro Compounds:

Reduction of nitroaromatic compounds using reducing agents like hydrogen gas over a catalyst (e.g., Pd/C or Raney nickel) or iron with acid.

4. Sandmeyer Reaction:

Conversion of aryl diazonium salts to aryl amines by replacement of the diazo group with nucleophiles like CuCN, CuBr, or H2O.

5. Hofmann Rearrangement:

The reaction of an amide with bromine and base to form an isocyanate intermediate, followed by rearrangement to yield an aromatic amine.

6. Benzidine Rearrangement:

Reaction of aromatic diazonium salts with aromatic amines to form diaryl amines.

Reactions of Aromatic Amines

1. Acylation:

Aromatic amines can react with acyl halides or anhydrides to form amides. This reaction is known as acylation.

2. Alkylation and Arylation:

Aromatic amines can undergo alkylation or arylation reactions with alkyl or aryl halides in the presence of a base or a transition metal catalyst.

3. Diazotization:

Aromatic amines react with nitrous acid to form diazonium salts, and these diazonium salts can undergo various reactions, such as coupling, substitution, or elimination.

4. Nucleophilic Aromatic Substitution (SNAr):

Aromatic amines can undergo nucleophilic aromatic substitution reactions, where the amino group acts as a nucleophile and substitutes other groups on the aromatic ring.

5. Oxidation:

Using oxidizing agents, aromatic amines can be oxidized to form corresponding nitro or azo compounds.

6. Mannich Reaction:

Aromatic amines can react with formaldehyde and a carbonyl compound to form β-amino carbonyl compounds.

These are general methods and reactions, and the specific conditions and reagents may vary depending on the desired product and starting materials. When working with aromatic amines, follow safety precautions as some can be toxic and require specialized handling procedures.