Catechol → Nitrocatechol

Participants

Reaction Steps

To a solution containing 2.5 g of catechol in 125 ml of ether 1.0 ml of conc. nitric acid (d=1.52) was gradually added. The solution was stirred over night at room temperature and washed with water. The solvent was evaporated and the residue was treated with boiling petroleum ether (b.p. 60°-80° C.). The insoluble 4-nitrocatechol was filtered and the filtrate concentrated in vacuo. After cooling the 3-nitrocatechol was filtered. Yield 0.85 g (24%), m.p. 82°-85° C.

Provenance & Evidence