Green Nitration of methyl benzoate MW Lab PDF

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Nitration of Methyl Benzoate This reaction is of industrial importance as it is used in the synthesis of explosives, dyes, pharmaceuticals plastics and chemicals for agriculture. The reaction proceeds through the nitronium ion intermediate. This reactive particle is generated via the reaction of Cu(NO) 2 with glacial acetic acid to form HNO3 . The HNO3 then reacts as shown to yield the NO2 + intermediate.

Procedure: Combine 0.5 g Methyl benzoate and 2.5 ml Acetic acid in a 25. ml Microwave reactor vial. Slowly add Cu(NO)2 (1.2 mol Copper nitrate to 1 mol methylbenzoate) to the mixture. Upon addition of Cu(NO)2 , the color may change to black/reddish brown with brown fumes being generated. ( Should be done in the hood.) After all of the copper salt is added, the mixture is stirred for 5-10 minutes. The vial is then fitted with the pressure cap / the outer screw-on cap and placed in the microwave carrousel. Reaction is then placed in the CEM Mars 6 with a setting of 85% power,time =2 min. Upon cooling and removal from the MW unit; the reaction is removed from microwave carrousel, opened and transfer to a beaker of 10 grams of crushed ice. When Ice has melted vacuum filter, wash the solids with cold water twice. Weigh the crude product. Recrystallize from methanol. (lit mp 78 °C)...