Catalytic dehalogenation of aromatic halides

Dehalogenation of aromatic halides to arenes can be accomplished by homogeneous catalysis. Reduction likely occurs by electron transfer, and reduction rates in many cases correlate generally with reduction potentials measured electrochemically. A Ti(III) complex is proposed to be the active catalyst, and sodium borohydride is the ultimate reducing agent. Since hydrolyzed reduction reaction mixtures contain biodegradable organic components, sodium chloride, titanium dioxide, and sodium borate, this process may have applicability for remediation of materials contaminated with aromatic halides.