Nitrobenzene

Nitrobenzene is an organic compound. It is the simplest aromatic nitro compound. These chemicals are also called nitrobenzenes. It has the chemical formula C6H5NO2.

Production

Nitrobenzene is made by adding a nitronium cation to a benzene ring. The nitronium is an electrophile attracted to the aromatic ring of the benzene. This reaction is a type of electrophilic aromatic substitution. The nitronium is normally made from nitric acid and another strong acid like sulfuric acid.[1]

Uses

Nitrobenzene can be reduced into aniline. The nitro group reacts with hydrogen gas and a catalyst like Raney nickel.[2]

Sources

  1. Buchi, Steven; Guenkel, Alfred; Pistner, Rob (2023). "The NORAM Process for the Production of Nitrobenzene (Case Study)". Industrial Arene Chemistry. pp. 1439–1461. doi:10.1002/9783527827992.ch48. ISBN 978-3-527-34784-1.
  2. Burge, Hal D.; Collins, Dermot J.; Davis, Burtron H. (1980). "Intermediates in the Raney Nickel Catalyzed Hydrogenation of Nitrobenzene to Aniline". Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Product Research and Development. 19 (3): 389–391. doi:10.1021/i360075a019.