Acetic Acid → 1,1,4,4,6-Pentamethyl-7-nitro-1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene

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Reaction Conditions

Reaction Steps

50 g (250 mmoles) of 2-methyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5,5,8,8-tetramethyl naphthalene are dissolved in 200 ml of acetic anhydride. The solution is cooled to 0° C. and there is slowly added a solution of 10.5 ml (250 mmoles) of nitric acid, 20 ml of acetic acid and 20 ml of acetic anhydride, while maintaining the temperature between 0° and 5° C. The reaction mixture is then stirred for 1 hour at ambient temperature, poured into ice water and filtered. The resulting solid is washed with water. The solid is dissolved in methylene chloride, washed with water and then with a saturated solution of sodium bicarbonate, dried on MgSO4 and evaporated. 45.8 g (74%) of 2-methyl-3-nitro-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-5,5,8,8-tetramethyl naphthalene which melts at 143°-144° C. are obtained.

Provenance & Evidence