Process for preparing 4,6-dinitroresorcinol

摘要

A method of nitrating resorcinol which is selective for the production of the 4,6-dinitro resorcinal isomer. A resorcinol-based starting material is admixed with a nitrating solution from which substantially all nitrogen dioxide and nitrous has been removed. The nitrating solution contains white fuming nitric acid, a nitrosonium ion control agent such as urea, and, optionally, concentrated sulfuric acid. The 4,6-dinitroresorcinal isomer is provided in yields of about 65-85% with minimal production of undesirable side products.