Nitratointi

Nitratointi is the process of introducing a nitro group (NO2) into an organic molecule. This is typically achieved through a reaction with a nitrating agent, most commonly a mixture of concentrated nitric acid and concentrated sulfuric acid. The sulfuric acid acts as a catalyst, protonating the nitric acid and facilitating the formation of the nitronium ion (NO2+), which is the active electrophile in the reaction.

Nitration is a widely used reaction in organic chemistry and is important for the synthesis of various compounds. A common example is the nitration of benzene to produce nitrobenzene. This reaction is often carried out at controlled temperatures to prevent further nitration or side reactions. The resulting nitro compounds can be used as intermediates in the synthesis of dyes, pharmaceuticals, explosives, and polymers.

The regioselectivity of nitration, meaning where the nitro group attaches to the molecule, depends on the substituents already present on the aromatic ring. Electron-donating groups generally direct the nitro group to the ortho and para positions, while electron-withdrawing groups direct it to the meta position. The reaction conditions, such as temperature and the concentration of the nitrating mixture, can also influence the outcome.

In some cases, nitration can also occur on aliphatic compounds, although this is generally less common and often requires different reagents or conditions. For example, tertiary alkyl nitrites can be formed by reacting alcohols with nitrous acid, which is related to nitration. Understanding and controlling nitration reactions is crucial for chemical synthesis and for ensuring the safe handling of potentially hazardous nitrated products.