nitrálás

Nitration is a chemical process that involves the introduction of a nitro group (NO2) into an organic molecule. This is typically achieved by reacting the organic compound with a nitrating agent, most commonly a mixture of concentrated nitric acid and concentrated sulfuric acid, often referred to as "mixed acid." The sulfuric acid acts as a catalyst, protonating the nitric acid to generate the nitronium ion (NO2+), which is the electrophile that attacks the organic substrate.

The reaction conditions, such as temperature and the concentration of the acids, can significantly influence the outcome of the nitration, affecting the rate of reaction and the degree of substitution. Nitration can occur on aromatic rings, leading to the formation of nitroaromatic compounds, or on aliphatic compounds. Aromatic nitration is an electrophilic aromatic substitution reaction where the nitronium ion replaces a hydrogen atom on the aromatic ring.

Nitro compounds have diverse applications. Nitroaromatics, for instance, are important intermediates in the synthesis of dyes, pharmaceuticals, and explosives like TNT (trinitrotoluene). Nitrated alcohols, such as nitroglycerin, are powerful explosives and also find use in medicine as vasodilators. The nitration reaction is a fundamental transformation in organic chemistry, enabling the synthesis of a wide range of functionalized molecules with varied properties and uses.