A suspension of an appropriate nitro compound (5 mmol) and Zn dust (6 mmol) in methanol or in any suitable solvent (5 ml) was stirred with ammonium formate (0.5 g) or 90% HCOOH (2.5 ml) at room temperature. After completion of the reaction (monitored by TLC), the mixture was filtered off. The organic layer was evaporated and the residue dissolved in CHCl3 or ether and washed with saturated NaCl to remove ammonium formate. The organic layer upon evaporation gave the desired amino derivatives.