A process for the production of nitroaromatic compounds from aromatic hydrocarbons using modified clay catalysts

摘要

The present invention relates to a process for the production of nitroaromatic compounds from aromatic hydrocarbons using modified clay catalysts. This invention particularly relates to a process for nitration of aromatic hydrocarbons using modified clay catalysts dispensing the use of H2SO4. The process of the present invention eliminates disposal of salts formed consequent to the neutralisation of sulphuric acid. The process for the preparation of nitro compounds from aromatic hydrocarbons using modified clay catalysts comprises nitrating aromatic hydrocarbons using fuming nitric acid in the molar ratio of nitric acid to aromatic hydrocarbon of 0.3:1 to 1.2:1 in the presence of metal exchanged clay at a temperature range between 25 DEG -155 DEG C for 0.25 to 2.0 hours and recovering corresponding nitro compounds.