nitraatiosta

Nitraatio is a chemical process where a nitro group (NO2) is introduced into an organic molecule. This typically involves the reaction of an organic compound with a nitrating agent, most commonly a mixture of concentrated nitric acid and sulfuric acid. Sulfuric acid acts as a catalyst, protonating nitric acid to form the highly reactive nitronium ion (NO2+), which is the active electrophile in the reaction.

The mechanism of nitration usually follows an electrophilic aromatic substitution pathway when applied to aromatic compounds. The nitronium ion attacks the electron-rich aromatic ring, forming a resonance-stabilized intermediate known as a sigma complex. Subsequently, a proton is lost from the sigma complex, restoring aromaticity and yielding the nitroaromatic product. The position of substitution on the aromatic ring is influenced by the existing substituents, which can be activating or deactivating and direct the incoming nitro group to specific positions (ortho, meta, or para).

Nitration is a crucial reaction in organic synthesis. Nitroaromatic compounds are important intermediates in the production of various chemicals, including dyes, explosives, pharmaceuticals, and agrochemicals. For instance, the nitration of benzene yields nitrobenzene, which can then be reduced to aniline, a key precursor for many industrial products. Aliphatic nitration is also possible, though it often proceeds through different mechanisms and requires different nitrating agents. The reaction conditions, such as temperature and concentration of reagents, must be carefully controlled to achieve desired yields and prevent side reactions like dinitration or oxidation.