What is Nitration?
Nitration is a chemical process in organic chemistry that involves introducing a nitro group (─NO2) into an organic compound, typically onto an aromatic ring. This process is often carried out using a mixture of concentrated nitric acid(HNO3) and sulfuric acid(H2SO4), which produces the active species known as the nitronium ion (NO2+).
Nitration reactions produce various compounds, including nitroaromatics and explosives, and are essential as chemical intermediates and precursors. The reaction usually occurs at high temperatures and is an example of electrophilic aromatic substitution. The strong acid in the acid mixture acts as a catalyst and promotes the formation of the nitronium ion when nitric acid is used.
Nitration
Nitration is a chemical process that helps introduce nitro group (-NO2) in an organic compound. But sometimes, the term is misunderstood to represent different processes, like forming nitrate esters among nitric acids and alcohols, which takes place in synthesizing nitroglycerin. The main difference between nitrates and nitro compounds is the bonding of nitrogen atoms with oxygen or carbon.
In this article, we will learn about, Nitration Definition, Nitration Mechanism, Types of Nitration, Nitrating Agent, and others in detail.
Table of Content
- What is Nitration?
- Nitration Mechanism
- Types of Nitration
- Electrophilic Substitution Mechanism
- Nitrating Agents
- Examples of Nitration
- Factors Affecting Nitration
- Applications of Nitration