Nitric Acid → 2-Hydroxy-5-nitrobenzonitrile

Participants

Reaction Conditions

Reaction Steps

A solution of 70 ml. 40% nitric acid and 10 ml. concentrated sulphuric acid is added dropwise at 10° C. in the course of 1 hour to 24 g. (0.2 mole) 2-hydroxybenzonitrile in 20 ml. water. The reaction mixture is subsequently stirred for 24 hours at 20° C. and then shaken out with 100 ml. ethyl acetate. After evaporation of the organic solvent, the solid residue obtained is extracted twice with 500 ml. amounts of boiling n-hexane. Purification takes place by means of column chromatography on silica gel (silica gel 60; elution agent ethyl acetate). After evaporation of the solvent and crystallisation from ethyl acetate/toluene, there are obtained 2 g. of the desired product in the form of white crystals.

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