Mononitro

Mononitro is a term used in chemistry to describe any compound that contains a single nitro group (−NO2) attached to an organic framework. It is not a single substance but a class of compounds, in contrast to dinitro or polynitrated derivatives that contain two or more nitro groups. The name may be used in various contexts to refer to a specific mononitro compound by context or as a category in synthetic schemes.

In aromatic chemistry, mononitration refers to introducing one nitro substituent onto an aromatic ring, most commonly by electrophilic aromatic substitution using a mixture of concentrated sulfuric acid and nitric acid. For many substrates, conditions are tuned to favor mono- over poly-nitration, and mixture composition and temperature are important. Aliphatic nitrations can also yield mononitro products under suitable conditions, often via radical or ionic mechanisms.

Common examples of mononitro compounds include nitrobenzene, nitro toluene, and nitropropane, where a single −NO2 group is present. Mononitro derivatives serve as intermediates in the synthesis of dyes, pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and energetic materials, and can be reduced to amines (such as anilines) or transformed further to other functional groups.

Safety and handling: Nitro compounds can be toxic and some are explosive under certain conditions. Nitration processes generate corrosive acids and nitrogen oxides, requiring appropriate engineering controls, ventilation, and waste treatment. Environmental concerns include acid waste and nitrate contamination.