Nitric Acid → 2-Hydroxy-3-nitrobenzaldehyde

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Reaction Steps

Salicylaldehyde (10 grams) is dissolved in acetic acid (50 grams) and nitrated with 10 ml. of red fuming nitric acid at 40°-45° C. The mixture is poured over ice and filtered. The solid product is a mixture of 3- and 5- nitrosalicylaldehyde. The isomers are separated by fractional recrystallization in acetic acid or by fractional recrystallization of their sodium salts in warm water, the 5-nitro isomer being less soluble in water than the 3-nitro isomer.

Provenance & Evidence