Regioselective nitration of 2- and 4-nitrotoluenes over systems comprising nitric acid, an acid anhydride and a zeolite

Journal Article

Smith, Keith . 2014

• Publication Work Type: Research
• Publication Online URL: http://www.arkat-usa.org/arkivoc-journal/browse-arkivoc/2014/5/
• Magazine \ Newspaper: Arkivoc
• Volume Number: V
• Pages: 301-309

Publication Abstract

Nitration of 2-nitrotoluene using nitric acid, acetic anhydride and Hβ zeolite produces a 97% yield of 2,4-dinitrotoluene along with 3% of 2,6-dinitrotoluene. Nitration of 4-nitrotoluene under similar reaction conditions produces 2,4-dinitrotoluene in 89% yield. When chloroacetic anhydride was used instead of acetic anhydride, nitration of 4-nitrotoluene produced a quantitative yield (>99%) of 2,4-dinitrotoluene.