A method for the rapid, safe reduction of heteroaromatic and aromatic nitro groups to amines is described using catalytic transfer hydrogenation under microwave heating conditions. Commonly available Pd/C or Pt/C catalyst is extremely effective with 1, 4-cyclohexadiene as the hydrogen transfer source. In the case of substrates containing potentially labile aromatic halogens, Pt/C is effective and results in little or no dehalogenation. In general, the ...