3-Nitrotoluene

Nitrogen Compounds -> Nitros, Aromatic

Reactive agents - 1st degree

Semi-Volatile Organic Compound (SVOC)

log Kow = 2.45

2.45

2.4

1.1571 at 68 °F (USCG, 1999) - Denser than water; will sink

1.1630 at 20 °C/4 °C

1.16 g/cm³

1.1630 @ 15°C

1.16

less than 1 mg/mL at 70 °F (NTP, 1992)

In water, 500 mg/L at 30 °C; 450 mg/L at 20 °C

Miscible with alcohol and ether; sol in benzene.

Soluble in most organic solvents such as ethanol, benzene, and diethyl ether

Solubility in water, g/100ml at 20 °C: 0.05

0.05%

223 °F (NTP, 1992)

106 °C

106 °C; 223 °F (Closed cup)

106 °C c.c.

223 °F

450.7 °F at 760 mmHg (NTP, 1992)

232 °C at 760 mm Hg

231.9 °C

231.9 °C @760 [mm Hg]

450 °F

59.9 °F (NTP, 1992)

15.5 °C

16.1 °C

16 °C

59 °F

Danger

H301+H311+H331 (65.8%): Toxic if swallowed, in contact with skin or if inhaled [Danger Acute toxicity, oral; acute toxicity, dermal; acute toxicity, inhalation]

P260, P261, P262, P264, P270, P271, P273, P280, P301+P316, P302+P352, P304+P340, P316, P319, P321, P330, P361+P364, P391, P403+P233, P405, and P501 (click each P-code to see the statement)

Aggregated GHS information provided per 158 reports by companies from 10 notifications to the ECHA C&L Inventory. Each notification may be associated with multiple companies.

Not Classified

H401: Toxic to aquatic life [Hazardous to the aquatic environment, acute hazard]

Chemical: Benzene, 1-methyl-3-nitro-

Status: Active Update: 21-12-2022 https://echa.europa.eu/registration-dossier/-/registered-dossier/11007

3-Nitrotoluene: Does not have an individual approval but may be used under an appropriate group standard

The New Jersey Worker and Community Right to Know Act requires public and private employers to provide information about hazardous substances at their workplaces. (N.J.S.A. 34:5A-1 et. seq.)

Special Hazards of Combustion Products: Emits toxic fumes of oxides of nitrogen.

Combustible. Gives off irritating or toxic fumes (or gases) in a fire. Risk of fire and explosion on contact with strong oxidizing agents or sulfuric acid.

Combustible when exposed to heat, flame or oxidizers.

... Contact with strong oxidizers or sulfuric acid may cause fires. /Nitrotoluene/

INHALATION, INGESTION OR SKIN ABSORPTION: Headache, flushing of face, dizziness, difficult breathing, cyanosis, nausea, vomiting, muscular weakness, increased pulse and respiratory rate, irritability and convulsions. EYES: Slight irrita- tion. SKIN: Slight irritation. (USCG, 1999)

Nitrotoluenes (all isomers) have the potential to induce methemoglobinemia in the same manner as aniline and nitrobenzene. [ACGIH] Can induce methemoglobinemia; A mild skin and eye irritant; [ICSC]

The major hazards encountered in the use and handling of 3-nitrotoluene stem from its toxicologic properties and explosivity. Toxic by all routes (ie, inhalation, ingestion, and dermal absorption), exposure to this yellow liquid may occur from its use as a chemical intermediate in the production of dyes, explosives, pesticides, toluidines, and nitrobenzoic acids. Effects from exposure may include contact burns to the skin and eyes, headache, weakness, dizziness, nausea, increased pulse and respiratory rate, and methemoglobinemia. The onset of symptoms may be delayed up to 4 hours. OSHA has set a time-weighted average (TWA) limit of 2 ppm as a final rule to become effective December 31, 1992. Local exhaust ventilation should be applied to control airborn e 3-nitrotoluene to permissible limits. In activities and situations where over-exposure may occur, wear a positive pressure self-contained breathing apparatus and chemical protective clothing which is specifically recommended by the shipper or manufacturer. If contact should occur, irrigate exposed eyes with copious amounts of tepid water for at least 15 minutes, and wash expose d skin thoroughly with soap and water. Contaminated clothing and shoes should be removed and left at the site for cleaning. While 3-nitrotoluene does not ignite easily, it may burn with the production of irritating or poisonous gases. Also, containers of this substance may explode violently in the heat of a fire. For fires involving 3-nitrotoluene, extinguish with dry chemical, CO2, water spray, fog, or standard foam. Fight fire from as far a distance as possible, and, if fire is advanced, evacuate the area. Dike fire control water. 3-Nitrotoluene should be stored in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area, away from sources of ignition, sources of physical damage, strong oxidizers, and sulfuric acid. Dike to prevent land spills of 3-nitrotoluene from entering water sources or sewers, and take up by absorbing the material in vermiculite, dry sand, or earth. For spills of 3-nitrotoluene in bodies of water, use sand bag barriers to trap material at the bottom, apply activated carbon, and use mechanical dredg es or lifts to remove immobilized masses.

Section 8(a) of TSCA requires manufacturers of this chemical substance to report preliminary assessment information concerned with production, exposure, and use to EPA as cited in the preamble in 51 FR 41329. Effective date: 8-4-95; Reporting date: 10-3-95.

Pursuant to section 8(d) of TSCA, EPA promulgated a model Health and Safety Data Reporting Rule. The section 8(d) model rule requires manufacturers, importers, and processors of listed chemical substances and mixtures to submit to EPA copies and lists of unpublished health and safety studies. m-Nitrotoluene is included on this list. Effective date: 8-4-95; Sunset date: 6-30-98.

Permissible Exposure Limit: Table Z-1 8-hr Time-Weighted Avg: 5 ppm (30 mg/cu m). Skin Designation.

Vacated 1989 OSHA PEL TWA 2 ppm (11 mg/cu m), skin designation, is still enforced in some states. /Nitrotoluene (o-, m-, p- isomers)/

Fire Extinguishing Agents Not to Be Used: Water or foam may cause frothing.

Use water spray, powder, foam, carbon dioxide. Combat fire from a sheltered position.

Fresh air, rest. Refer for medical attention.

Remove contaminated clothes. Rinse and then wash skin with water and soap.

First rinse with plenty of water for several minutes (remove contact lenses if easily possible), then refer for medical attention.

Rinse mouth. Refer for medical attention .

EYES: First check the victim for contact lenses and remove if present. Flush victim's eyes with water or normal saline solution for 20 to 30 minutes while simultaneously calling a hospital or poison control center. Do not put any ointments, oils, or medication in the victim's eyes without specific instructions from a physician. IMMEDIATELY transport the victim after flushing eyes to a hospital even if no symptoms (such as redness or irritation) develop.

(General first aid procedures)

To fight fire use water, carbon dioxide, dry chemical.

If material on fire or involved in fire: Do not extinguish fire unless flow can be stopped. Use water in flooding quantities as fog. Cool all affected containers with flooding quantities of water. Apply water from as far a distance as possible. Solid streams of water may be ineffective. Use foam, dry chemical, or carbon dioxide.

Powder, water spray, foam, carbon dioxide. Combat fire from a sheltered position.

Use dry chemical, carbon dioxide, or water spray. Water streams or foam may cause frothing. Use water spray to keep fire-exposed containers cool. Approach fire from upwind to avoid hazardous vapors and toxic decomposition products. Extinguish fire using agent suitable for surrounding fire.

Separated from strong oxidants, sulfuric acid, food and feedstuffs. Cool. Dry. Keep in a well-ventilated room.

Store in a cool. dry, well-ventilated location. Separate from acids, alkalies, oxidizing materials, and reducing agents.

Ventilate area of spill or leak. For small quantities of liquid nitrotoluene, absorb on paper towels. For small quantities of solid nitrotoluene, sweep onto paper or other suitable material. Remove to a safe place (such as a fume hood) and burn paper. Large quantities of liquid nitrotoluene can be collected and atomized in a suitable combustion chamber equipped with an appropriate effluent gas cleaning device. Large quantities of solid nitrotoluene can be reclaimed; however, if this is not practical, dissolve in a flammable solvent (such as alcohol) and atomize in a suitable combustion chamber equipped with an appropriate effluent gas cleaning device. /nitrotoluene/

Land Spill: Dig a pit, pond, lagoon, or holding area to contain liquid or solid material. /SRP: If time permits, pits, ponds, lagoons, soak holes, or holding areas should be sealed with an impermeable flexible membrane liner./ Cover solids with plastic sheet to prevent dissolving in rain or fire fighting water.

Water Spill: Use natural deep water pockets, excavated lagoons, or sand bag barriers to trap material at bottom, remove trapped material with suction hoses. If dissolved, in region of 10 ppm or greater concentration, apply activated carbon at ten times the spilled amount. Use mechanical dredges or lifts to remove immobilized masses of pollutants and precipitates.

For solids: Shovel into suitable dry container. For liquids: Stop or control the leak, if this can be done without undue risk. Cover in noncombustible material for proper disposal.

SRP: The most favorable course of action is to use an alternative chemical product with less inherent propensity for occupational harm/injury/toxicity or environmental contamination. Recycle any unused portion of the material for its approved use or return it to the manufacturer or supplier. Ultimate disposal of the chemical must consider: the material's impact on air quality; potential migration in soil or water; effects on animal and plant life; and conformance with environmental and public health regulations.

SRP: Wastewater from contaminant suppression, cleaning of protective clothing/equipment, or contaminated sites should be contained and evaluated for subject chemical or decomposition product concentrations. Concentrations shall be lower than applicable environmental discharge or disposal criteria. Alternatively, pretreatment and/or discharge to a permitted wastewater treatment facility is acceptable only after review by the governing authority and assurance that "pass through" violations will not occur. Due consideration shall be given to remediation worker exposure (inhalation, dermal and ingestion) as well as fate during treatment, transfer and disposal. If it is not practicable to manage the chemical in this fashion, it must be evaluated in accordance with EPA 40 CFR Part 261, specifically Subpart B, in order to determine the appropriate local, state and federal requirements for disposal.

For liquid nitrotoluene, by absorbing it in vermiculite, dry sand, earth or a similar material and disposing in a secured sanitary landfill. By atomizing liquid nitrotoluene in a suitable combustion chamber equipped with an appropriate effluent gas cleaning device. By making packages of solid nitrotoluene in paper or other suitable material or by dissolving in a flammable solvent (such as alcohol) and burning in a suitable combustion chamber equipped with an appropriate effluent gas cleaning device. /nitrotoluene/

The following wastewater treatment technologies have been investigated for 3-Nitrotoluene: Concentration process: Biological treatment.

Evacuate danger area! Consult an expert! Personal protection: chemical protection suit including self-contained breathing apparatus. Ventilation. Collect leaking liquid in covered containers. Absorb remaining liquid in sand or inert absorbent. Then store and dispose of according to local regulations.

SRP: The scientific literature for the use of contact lenses in industry is conflicting. The benefit or detrimental effects of wearing contact lenses depend not only upon the substance, but also on factors including the form of the substance, characteristics and duration of the exposure, the uses of other eye protection equipment, and the hygiene of the lenses. However, there may be individual substances whose irritating or corrosive properties are such that the wearing of contact lenses would be harmful to the eye. In those specific cases, contact lenses should not be worn. In any event, the usual eye protection equipment should be worn even when contact lenses are in place.

SRP: Local exhaust ventilation should be applied wherever there is an incidence of point source emissions or dispersion of regulated contaminants in the work area. Ventilation control of the contaminant as close to its point of generation is both the most economical and safest method to minimize personnel exposure to airborne contaminants.

SRP: Contaminated protective clothing should be segregated in such a manner so that there is no direct personal contact by personnel who handle, dispose, or clean the clothing. The completeness of the cleaning procedures should be considered before the decontaminated protective clothing is returned for reuse by the workers. Contaminated clothing should not be taken home at the end of shift, but should remain at employee's place of work for cleaning.

Keep sparks, flames, and other sources of ignition away. Keep material out of water sources and sewers. Build dikes to contain water flow as necessary. /Nitrotoluene/

For more Preventive Measures (Complete) data for 3-NITROTOLUENE (9 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

EC50; Species; Chlorella pyrenoidosa (Green micro-algae); Conditions: static, 25 °C, pH 6.6; Concentration: 14 mg/L for 96 hr; Effect: cell count inhibition />98% purity formulation/

EC50; Species: Daphnia magna (Water Flea); Conditions: freshwater, static; Concentration: 7400 ug/L for 48 hr; Effect: intoxicaiton, immobilization />99.5% purity formulation/

LC50; Species: Daphnia magna (Water Flea) age < or =24 hr; Conditions: freshwater, static, 20-22 °C, pH 7.6-7.7; Concentration: 35000 ug/L for 24 hr /formulation/

LC50; Species: Daphnia magna (Water Flea); Conditions: freshwater, static; Concentration: 17600 ug/L for 48 hr />99.5% purity formulation/

For more Ecotoxicity Values (Complete) data for 3-NITROTOLUENE (17 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

TERRESTRIAL FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 363(SRC), determined from a structure estimation method(2), indicates that 3-nitrotoluene is expected to have moderate mobility in soil(SRC). Field monitoring at a munition factory site in Melbourne Australia found that 3-nitrotoluene migrated large distances in the subsurface soil(3); 3-nitrotoluene is reported to have low soil Kd sorption coefficients in a variety of soil types(3) indicating it will leach. Volatilization of 3-nitrotoluene from moist soil surfaces may occur(SRC) given a Henry's Law constant of 9.30X10-6 atm-cu m/mole(4). 3-Nitrotoluene is not expected to volatilize from dry soil surfaces(SRC) based upon a vapor pressure of 0.107 mm Hg(5). Biodegradation screening tests have shown that 3-nitrotoluene can degrade very slowly in tests using unacclimated media such as the Japanese MITI test(6) or a 64-day silt loam soil inoculum test(7). However, biodegradation in acclimated media can be relatively fast with 98-100% degradation within a few days or two weeks(8-10). 3-Nitrotoluene is susceptible to direct photolysis(11,12); therefore, photodegradation may occur on surfaces exposed to sunlight(SRC).

AQUATIC FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of 363(SRC), determined from a structure estimation method(2), indicates that 3-nitrotoluene is expected to adsorb moderately to suspended solids and sediment(SRC). Volatilization from water surfaces is expected(3) based upon a Henry's Law constant of 9.30X10-6 atm-cu m/mole(4). Using this Henry's Law constant and an estimation method(3), volatilization half-lives for a model river and model lake are 5 days and 38 days, respectively(SRC). According to a classification scheme(5), BCF measured values of 0.47 to 16 in fish(6,7) suggests bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low(SRC). Biodegradation screening tests have shown that 3-nitrotoluene can degrade very slowly in tests using unacclimated media such as the Japanese MITI test(7). However, biodegradation in acclimated media can be relatively fast with 98-100% degradation within a few days or two weeks(8-12). It was shown to be degraded in a river water in the Netherlands, with a half-life of 2.7 days(11). The photolysis rate constant for 3-nitrotoluene in near surface water at latitude 40 deg N has been experimentally determined to be 6.5 L/days(13). Hydrolysis is not expected to be an important environmental fate process since this compound lacks functional groups that hydrolyze under environmental conditions(3).

ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of semivolatile organic compounds in the atmosphere(1), 3-nitrotoluene, which has a vapor pressure of 0.107 mm Hg at 25 °C(2), is expected to exist solely as a vapor in the ambient atmosphere. Vapor-phase 3-nitrotoluene is degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals(SRC); the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be 17 days (SRC), calculated from its rate constant of 9.5X10-13 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 °C(3). 3-Nitrotoluene is expected to undergo direct photolysis, with the primary photoproducts being 3-methyl-2-nitrophenol, 3-methyl-6-nitrophenol, and 3-methyl-4-nitrophenol(4).

The substance can be absorbed into the body by inhalation of its vapour, through the skin and by ingestion.

inhalation, skin absorption, ingestion, skin and/or eye contact

Blue lips, fingernails and skin. Confusion. Convulsions. Dizziness. Headache. Nausea. Unconsciousness.

MAY BE ABSORBED! Redness. See Inhalation.

Redness. Pain.

See Inhalation.

Anoxia, cyanosis; headache, lassitude (weakness, exhaustion), dizziness; ataxia; dyspnea (breathing difficulty); tachycardia; nausea, vomiting

The following link will take the user to the National Toxicology Program (NTP) Test Agent Search Results page, which tabulates all of the "Standard Toxicology & Carcinogenesis Studies", "Developmental Studies", and "Genetic Toxicity Studies" performed with this chemical. Clicking on the "Testing Status" link will take the user to the status (i.e., in review, in progress, in preparation, on test, completed, etc.) and results of all the studies that the NTP has done on this chemical.[Available from: http://ntp-apps.niehs.nih.gov/ntp_tox/index.cfm?fuseaction=ntpsearch.searchresults&searchterm=99-08-1]

Nitrotoluenes have been detected in wastewater resulting from the production and purification of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene. Wastewater concentrations of nitrotoluenes ranged from 0.01 to 0.17 mg/L. 3-Nitrotoluene was found in 43% of the samples(1).

Routine checking of lips, tongue, and nail beds of exposed personnel for signs of cyanosis. /Nitrotoluene/

The following medical procedures should be made available to each employee who is exposed to nitrotoluene at potentially hazardous levels.Initial Medical Exam: A complete history & physical exam: ... Exam of blood, nervous system, GI system, & cardiovascular system should be stressed. Skin should be exam for evidence of chronic disorders. ... A complete blood count should be performed, including red cell count, a white cell count, a differential count of stained smear, as well as hemoglobin & hematocrit. Persons with blood disorders may be at increased risk from exposure.Periodic Medical Exam: The ... /initial med exam/ should be repeated on an annual basis. Methemoglobin determinations should be performed if overexposure is suspected or signs & symptoms of toxicity occur.

Using a structure estimation method based on molecular connectivity indices(1), the Koc of 3-nitrotoluene can be estimated to be 363(SRC). According to a classification scheme(2), this estimated Koc value suggests that 3-nitrotoluene is expected to have moderate mobility in soil. Field monitoring at a munition factory site in Melbourne Australia found that 3-nitrotoluene migrated large distances in the subsurface soils(3); 3-nitrotoluene is reported to have low soil Kd sorption coefficients in a variety of soils types(3) indicating it will leach.

Section 8(a) of TSCA requires manufacturers of this chemical substance to report preliminary assessment information concerned with production, exposure, and use to EPA as cited in the preamble in 51 FR 41329. Effective date: 8-4-95; Reporting date: 10-3-95.

Pursuant to section 8(d) of TSCA, EPA promulgated a model Health and Safety Data Reporting Rule. The section 8(d) model rule requires manufacturers, importers, and processors of listed chemical substances and mixtures to submit to EPA copies and lists of unpublished health and safety studies. m-Nitrotoluene is included on this list. Effective date: 8-4-95; Sunset date: 6-30-98.

This action promulgates standards of performance for equipment leaks of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) in the Synthetic Organic Chemical Manufacturing Industry (SOCMI). The intended effect of these standards is to require all newly constructed, modified, and reconstructed SOCMI process units to use the best demonstrated system of continuous emission reduction for equipment leaks of VOC, considering costs, non air quality health and environmental impact and energy requirements. Nitrotoluene is produced, as an intermediate or a final product, by process units covered under this subpart. /Nitrotoluene/

Persons in charge of vessels or facilities are required to notify the National Response Center (NRC) immediately, when there is a release of this designated hazardous substance, in an amount equal to or greater than its reportable quantity of 1000 lb or 454 kg. The toll free number of the NRC is (800) 424-8802. The rule for determining when notification is required is stated in 40 CFR 302.4 (section IV. D.3.b).

m-Nitrotoluene is designated as a hazardous substance under section 311(b)(2)(A) of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act and further regulated by the Clean Water Act Amendments of 1977 and 1978. These regulations apply to discharges of this substance. This designation includes any isomers and hydrates, as well as any solutions and mixtures containing this substance.

The metabolism and excretion of 2-, 3-, and 4-nitrotoluene (2NT, 3NT, and 4NT, respectively) were studied in male Fischer 344 rats. ... Major metabolites excreted in urine in 72 hr after administration of 3NT were 3-nitrohippuric acid (24% of the dose), 3-nitrobenzoic acid (21% of the dose) and 3-acetamidobenzoic acid (12% of the dose). ...

Radioactivity was excreted by male rats 72 hr after a single oral dose of 200 mg/kg labeled 3-nitrotoluene mainly in the urine (67.8%; major metabolites: 3-nitrobenzoic acid, 3-acetamidobenzoic acid and 3-nitrohippuric acid), also in the feces (12.5% and in the expired air (0.1%); total excretion 80.4% of dose.

Pseudomonas putitida F1 and pseudomonas sp strain JS150 and E.coliLM109 (pDTG60) oxidize m-nitrotoluene to 3-nitrobenzyl alcohol.

Incubation of freshly isolated rat hepatocytes with labeled 3-nitrotoluene dissolved in ethanol resulted in 3 major metabolites: 3-nitrobenzoic acid, 3-nitrobenzyl alcohol and 3-nitro benzyl alcohol glucuronide.

For more Metabolism/Metabolites (Complete) data for 3-NITROTOLUENE (7 total), please visit the HSDB record page.

The metabolism and excretion of 2-, 3-, and 4-nitrotoluene (2NT, 3NT, and 4NT, respectively) were studied in male Fischer 344 rats. Excreta were collected for 72 hr after an oral dose (200 mg/kg) of radiolabeled 2NT, 3NT, or 4NT. Radiolabel from each NT isomer was rapidly excreted (86, 73 and 74% of the dose for 2NT, 3NT, and 4NT, respectively in 24 hr). The urine was the major route of excretion with 70-85% of the dose being excreted by that route in 72 hr. Five to 13% and 0.0 to 0.1% of the dose was excreted in the feces and expired air, respectively, in 72 hr. ...

It may be absorbed through the intact skin and through the respiratory tract. /SRP: also absorbed following ingestion/.

After a dose of labeled 3-nitrotoluene, male rats excreted 68% in the urine. Eight metabolites were separated; 3-aminobenzoic acid and its acetyl derivative were among them; the other metabolites were nitrobenzyl conjugates.

In bile duct-cannulated male Fischer 344 rats administered 200 mg/kg bw nitro (14)C toluene isomers ... . Following 3-nitrotoluene administration, 10.8% of the dose was excreted in the bile of male rats, compared to 4.3% in female rats. ...

The meta isomer is not commercially significant; [ACGIH]

Manufacture of dyes, toluidines, nitrobenzoic acids, agricultural and rubber chemicals.

Producing... explosives, and as a chemical intermediate.

Organic synthesis.

Catalytic hydrogenation or reduction with iron converts 3-nitrotoluene to m-toluidine, which provides important coupling components for azo dyes, usually after N-alkylation.

PRODUCTION OF META-ISOMER IS NEGLIGIBLE. /1981 DATA/

(1993) U.S. production of the mononitrotoluenes is 26,000 metric tons, with about 16,120 metric tons of the ortho isomer, 780 metric tons of the meta isomer, and 9,100 metric tons of the para isomer.

Benzene, 1-methyl-3-nitro- is listed as a High Production Volume (HPV) chemical (65FR81686). Chemicals listed as HPV were produced in or imported into the U.S. in >1 million pounds in 1990 and/or 1994. The HPV list is based on the 1990 Inventory Update Rule. (IUR) (40 CFR part 710 subpart B; 51FR21438).

Production volumes for non-confidential chemicals reported under the Inventory Update Rule. [Table#4299]

Production volume for non-confidential chemicals reported under the 2006 Inventory Update Rule. Chemical: Benzene, 1-methyl-3-nitro-. Aggregated National Production Volume: 1 to < 10 million lbs.

Preparation of m-nitrotoluene from 3-nitro-4-amino-toluene and NaNO2.

m-Nitrotoluene can be prepared from p-toluidine by acetylation, nitration deacetylation, diazotization, and boiling with ethanol.

Mononitrotoluenes can be produced by either a batch or continuous process. With a typical batch process, the toluene is fed into the nitrator and cooled to about 25 °C. The nitrating acid (52-56 wt% H2SO4, 28-32 wt% HNO3, and 12-20 wt% H2O) is added slowly below the surface of the toluene and the temperature of the reaction mixture is maintained at 25 °C by adjusting the feed rate of the nitrating acid and the amount of cooling. After all of the acid is added, the temperature is raised slowly to 35-40 °C. After completion of the reaction, the reaction mixture is put into a separator where the spent acid is withdrawn from the bottom and is reconcentrated. The crude product is washed in several steps with dilute caustic and then water. The product is steam distilled to remove excess toluene and then dried by distilling the remaining traces of water. The resulting product contains 55-60 wt% o-nitrotoluene, 3-4 wt% m-nitrotoluene, and 35-40 wt% p-nitrotoluene. The yield of mononitrotoluenes is about 96%. ... The separation of the isomers is carried out by a combination of fractional distillation and crystallization.

Benzene, 1-methyl-3-nitro-: ACTIVE

Irradiation of a mixture containing 34 and 10-310 ppm of toluene and nitrogen dioxide, respectively, in oxygen and/or nitrogen yielded m-nitrotoluene. The relative yield of m-nitrotoluene decreases with increasing nitrogen dioxide concentration, both in the presence and absence of oxygen.