Process for nitrating aromatic hydrocarbons

摘要

An improved process for the nitration of aromatic hydrocarbons is described. The aromatic hydrocarbon (benzene, toluene of particular interest) is reacted with gaseous nitrogen dioxide in the presence of a catalytic amount of sulfuric acid and in the absence of oxygen. The process is highly selective and avoids the formation of undesired by-products. The acid employed as catalyst can be recovered and recycled after removal of water of condensation liberated in the reaction.