Synthesis and characterization of Nitro-p-xylenes

Article abstract of DOI:10.3390/10080978

In this paper we elected to nitrate p-xylene because this compound has only one mononitro- and trinitro- isomer. Trinitro-p-xylene was used as a starting material for the synthesis of other compounds in subsequent work. The mononitration of p-xylene can be easily carried out at 30°C. Nitro-p-xylene is easily nitrated to dinitro-p-xylene at a temperature of 80°C. The trinitro-p-xylene can be obtained at 120°C. Single crystals of 2,3-dinitro-p-xylene and 2,3,5-trinitro-p-xylene were grown using the slow cooling method and we report the X-ray structure of the former. The thermal decomposition of the compounds was studied using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetry-derivative thermogravimetry (TG-DTG) techniques and FT-IR. The target compounds were also characterized by ¹H-NMR, ¹³C-NMR and MS.

Full text of DOI:10.3390/10080978

Molecules 2005, 10, 978-989
molecules
ISSN 1420-3049
http://www.mdpi.org
Synthesis and Characterization of Nitro-p-xylenes
1
1,*
1
1
2
Liu Yan-Hong , Zhang Tong-Lai , Zhang Jian-Guo , Guo Jin-Yu and Yu Kai-Bei
1
State Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Explosion, Beijing Institute of Technology,
Beijing 100081, P. R. China, Tel: +86-10-68911202, Fax: +86-10-68911202
Center of Analysis and Test of Chengdu Branch, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu 610041,
P.R. China
2
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; E-mail: ztlbit@bit.edu.cn
Received: 25 January 2005; in revised form: 23 April 2005 / Accepted: 25 April 2005 / Published: 31
August 2005
Abstract In this paper we elected to nitrate p-xylene because this compound has only
one mononitro- and trinitro- isomer. Trinitro-p-xylene was used as a starting material for
the synthesis of other compounds in subsequent work. The mononitration of p-xylene can
be easily carried out at 30°C. Nitro-p-xylene is easily nitrated to dinitro-p-xylene at a
temperature of 80°C. The trinitro-p-xylene can be obtained at 120°C. Single crystals of
2,3-dinitro-p-xylene
and
2,3,5-trinitro-p-xylene
were
grown
using
the
slow cooling method and we report the X-ray structure of the former. The thermal
decomposition of the compounds was studied using differential scanning calorimetry
(
DSC) and thermogravimetry-derivative thermogravimetry (TG-DTG) techniques and
1
13
FT-IR. The target compounds were also characterized by H-NMR, C-NMR and MS.
Keywords: p-Xylene, Nitration, Thermal Analysis
Introduction
The nitration of p-xylene to give the corresponding mononitro-p-xylene, dinitro-p-xylene (DPX)
and trinitro-p-xylene (TPX) has been studied many years ago. Prior to World War II the nitration of the
xylenes was carried out only on a small scale to produce solvents and chemical intermediates.
However, during the war mixed xylenes were nitrated in at least three government ordnance works and
reduced to xylidines that were used as an additive to increase the octane rating of

Molecules 2005, 10
979
aviation grade gasoline. Numerous uses were suggested for the surplus xylidines at the end of the war,
such as for dyes and intermediates, wood preservatives, wetting agents, accelerators for rubber, and
frothing agents for the flotation of ores [1]. The production of xylenes by the hydroforming process
used for the manufacture of toluene from petroleum hydrocarbons makes available large amounts of
these three isomeric hydrocarbons. Their nitration represents the application of one of the important
unit processes to give an intermediate compound for further chemical utilization [2].
p-Xylene was first nitrated by Glinzer and Fitting [3]. In 1885 Nolting and Forel [4] were the first
to use the mixed sulfuric and nitric acids to nitrate p-xylene. Konowalow and Gurewitsch [5] nitrated a
number of alkyl benzenes, including p-xylene, with mixed nitric and acetic acids. Two patents also
describe the nitration of mixed xylenes. Batchelder [6] claimed a mononitro product low in dinitro and
by-product impurities. Most of the previous work, which reported on the dinitro- compounds, has been
incidental to the nitration of p-xylene. Glinzer and Fittig heated mononitro-p-xylene and fuming nitric
acid to produce a solid mixture of dinitro compounds. Lellmann’s [7] nitration method was to mix
3
2
5 grams of p-xylene and 100 grams of nitric acid (density, 1.51g/cm ) and allow them to stand for
several days, however the yield was poor (only 2 grams of the 2,5-dinitro-p-xylene isolated from
1
00 grams of solid product). Giua [8] nitrated p-xylene with mixed acid and obtained only the 2,3-and
,6-isomers.
2
Dinitro aromatic hydrocarbons may be made in either one or two steps [9-10], but it
is more common to carry out the nitration in separate steps to reduce oxidation and also reduce the
solubility of the product in the strong acid required for the one step process. For the nitration of
nitro-p-xylene, it would be expected that the mixed acid would be less concentrated than for the
dinitration of toluene but more concentrated than for the mononitration of p-xylene. Likewise, the
temperature of nitration should be lower than for dinitration of toluene but higher than that used for
the mononitration of p-xylene.
In this work, the para isomer is selected for its regular structure – only one mononitro and
trinitro compounds exist – making it easier to obtain the single nitration compounds. Furthermore, the
trinitro-p-xylene is the raw material of our subsequent work for its high nitrogen content.
Trinitro-p-xylene has similar structure to 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) which has been used traditionally
as not only as a melt-case explosive but also a starting material for synthesis of two commonly used
thermally stable explosives, i.e. 2,2’,4,4’,6,6’-hexanitrostilbene (HNS) [11] and 1,3,5-triamino-
2,4,6-trinitrobenzene (TATB) [12]. These compounds are high melting explosives that have been
applied in situations where a combination of insensitivity to impact as well as heat is important.
In this paper, we have obtained mononitro-p-xylene, pure 2,6-dinitro-p-xylene, 2,3-dinitro-
p-xylene and trinitro-p-xylene. Furthermore, we have determined the molecular and crystal structures
of 2,3-dinitro-p-xylene. The thermal properties of 2,3- and 2,6-DPX and TPX were studied in detail.
Results and Discussion
The single crystal structure [13]
The structure of the 2,3-DPX was determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction. Dimensions of
the single crystal used for measurement were 0.40 mm×0.40 mm×0.30 mm. Cell parameters were
o
o
determined in the range of 2.64 <θ<27.48 at the temperature of 293(2) K. 2094 independent

Molecules 2005, 10
980
reflections were obtained, among which 1096 observed reflections with I>2σ(I) were used for the
determination and refinement of the crystal structure in the range of -9≤h≤9, -15≤k≤15, -13≤l≤13.
The crystal structure of 2,3-DPX is monoclinic with space group of P2(1)/n. The cell parameters are: a
o
3
-3
＝
0.7594(2) nm, b=1.1825(2) nm, c=1.0331(2) nm; β=98.74(3) , V=0.9170(3) nm , Dc=1.421g•cm ,
-
1
Z=4, F(000)=408, μ=0.116 mm , Mr=196.16. The final R
1 2
=0.0556 (for observed data) and wR is
0
.1520 (for data I>2σ(I)), R1 = 0.0831, wR2 = 0.1686(for all data). All calculations were carried out
with SHELXS98 [14]. The unit structure and the packing of the molecule in crystal lattice are
illustrated in Figures 1 and 2.
Figure 1. Molecular structure of DPX and the atom numbering
Figure 2. Crystal packing of DPX

Molecules 2005, 10
981
From Figures 1 and 2 we can see that the nitro groups are not coplanar. The torsion angles are
o
o
o
similar: O(1)-N(1)-C(2)-C(1) is 56.4 , O(2)-N(1)-C(2)-C(1) is -122.8 , O(4)-N(2)-C(3)-C(4) is 57.8 ,
o
o
o
O(3)-N(2)-C(3)-C(4) is -122.4 while C(1)-C(2)-C(3)-C(4) is -2.3 and O(1)-N(1)-C(2)-C(3) is -125.0 ,
o
o
o
O(2)-N(1)-C(2)-C(3) is 55.8 , O(4)-N(2)-C(3)-C(2) is -124.9 , O(3)-N(2)-C(3)-C(2) is 54.9 .
According to these data we present the “ball and stick” face and side face views of 2,3-DPX in
Figure 3. The bond lengths of the crystal that are C-N 1.478, C1-C7 1.512, C4-C8 1.506 and the
benzene C-C length is between 1.378 and 1.396, within the normal bond length range.
Figure 3. The face and side face views of 2,3-DPX
The single crystal structure of TPX (CCDC number 256461) is discussed in another
paper, currently in press [15]
Thermal behavior of the compounds
Typical DSC and TG-DTG curves for the compound 2,6-DPX are shown in Figures 4 and 5. The
DSC curve shows two endothermic peaks between 50 °C and 225 °C, with peak temperatures at

Molecules 2005, 10
982
1
23.9 °C and 202.9 °C, respectively. The first peak temperature corresponds to the melting point of
,6-dinitro-p-xylene (123°C or 126°C). The TG curve shows one stage mass loss without any stable
2
intermediate products being formed in which the stage began at about 105.9 °C and was completed at
92 °C accompanied by a 96.6% mass loss.
1
Figure 4. DSC curve of the 2,6-DPX
Figure 5. TG-DTG curve of 2,6-DPX

Molecules 2005, 10
983
Figures 6 and 7 are the DSC and TG-DTG curves of 2,3-DPX. The curves are similar to those of
,6-DPX as we can observe two endothermic peaks in Figure 6 and one stage mass loss in Figure 7. In
2
the DSC curve the first endothermic peak temperature is at 92.8 °C, which matches with the
literature melting point of 90-93 °C.
Figure 6. DSC curve of 2,3-DPX
Figure 7. TG-DTG curve of 2,3-DPX
Figure 8 and Figure 9 are the DSC and TG-DTG curves of TPX. We can see that two endothermic
peaks can be recognized in Figure 8 between room temperature and 245.0 °C. The first intense
endothermic peak has a peak temperature of 140.9 °C, the same as the melting point of TPX

Molecules 2005, 10
984
(
139-140°C). To find out what the decomposition residues are, FT-IR analysis was performed. The IR
spectra of the solid residues of TPX at room temperature and 150 °C are shown in Figure 10. We can
observe that the two curves have no difference according with the DSC and TG results. This also
proved that the first peak of the DSC curve is the melting endothermic peak.
Figure 8. DSC curve of the TPX
Figure 9. TG-DTG curve of TPX

Molecules 2005, 10
Figure 10 IR spectra of TPX and its decomposition residues, observed at room
985
о
temperature (top) and 150 C (bottom.)
4000
3500
3000
2500
2000
1500
1000
500
Wavenumber cm-1
The second endothermic process is wider, with a peak temperature of 228.1 °C. This shows the
largest mass loss rate of 23.3%/min at 185.0 °C and a mass loss is 53.2%. From 190.0~202.0 °C
the mass change is 22.7%. After 202.0 °C there is a slow mass loss process. The compound
decomposed completely at 350 °C. The DSC and TG-DTG curves of DPX and TPX are similar. They
both have two endothermic peaks, the first intense and the second wider. In the TG-DTG curve they
have same shape and differ only in the peak temperatures. This is in agreement with the fact that
2,3-DPX and 2,6-DPX are isomers and TPX only has one nitro-group more than DPX, so they should
have similar thermal properties. Because TPX has the most nitro-groups it has the highest melting
point and 2,6-DPX is more symmetrical than 2,3-DPX so it has the higher melting point.
Conclusions
In this paper we studied the synthesis of the various nitro-p-xylenes and selected the
optimal conditions for this reaction. We grew single crystals from an appropriate solution and studied
the crystal structures of 2,3-DPX and TPX. The thermal properties of dinitro-p-xylene and
trinitro-p-xylene are similar. Because the content of nitrogen of trinitro-p-xylene is higher it has
potential application as a precursor for energetic materials.
Experimental
General
A Perkin- Elmer Pyris-1 DSC was used for DSC measurements. Dry, oxygen-free nitrogen was
used to purge the DSC at 20 mL/min. The heating rate was 10 ºC/min and the sample mass was about

Molecules 2005, 10
986
0.5 mg contained in sealed aluminum pans. A Perkin-Elmer Pyris-1 TG analyzer was used for
thermogravimetric analysis. About 0.5 mg of sample was held in a platinum pan, in a flow of dry,
oxygen-free nitrogen at 20 mL/min, and the heating rate was 10ºC /min. A Bruker Equinox 55 FT-IR
-
1
spectrometer (KBr pellet) was used in the range of 400-4000cm . The p-xylene used was A.R. grade.
3
All nitrations were carried out with mixed acid prepared from sulfuric acid (specific gravity, 1.84g/cm )
3
and nitric acid (specific gravity, 1.50 g/cm ).
Synthesis of mononitro-p-xylene (MNP)
The nitration was carried out in a flask with 4 necks. For the mononitration, the p-xylene was
adding into the mixed acid. The reaction temperature and the amount of p-xylene added were recorded
to ensure good temperature control and an even rate of addition of the p-xylene. A reaction temperature
below 13.28ºC cannot be used because p-xylene solidifies. A small amount of oxidation product was
observed during every nitration and it became more and more prevalent with higher temperatures,
longer reaction times and lower D.V.S. values. The presence and extent of the oxidation was indicated
by the amount of brown fumes of nitrogen dioxide liberated during the reaction. After the addition of
all of the p-xylene, stirring was continued for 10 minutes, then the reaction mixture was slowly
and carefully added to a beaker containing chipped ice (300-400 g). Separation of the two layers
occurred after 30 minutes. The nitro-p-xylene layer was washed twice with portions of water (100 mL),
1
0% sodium carbonate solution, and finally with water again. Later the nitro-p-xylene was dried with
o
anhydrous calcium sulfate. The only boiling point for nitro-p-xylene recorded in the literature is 238.5
to 239ºC at 739 mm Hg. The boiling point of the compound made in this work is 241~242ºC at
atmospheric pressure.
Synthesis of dinitro-p-xylene (DPX)
In order to produce the dinitro-p-xylene, we adopted the procedure for nitration
of mononitro-p-xylene, as the reaction is similar to the mononitration of p-xylene.
Mononitro-p-xylene can be used for next nitration without purification. The nitro-p-xylene was
decanted from the mixed acid then it was added to the flask and heated to a temperature 5~10ºC below
the desired temperature for the experiment. The agitator was started and the mixed acid added
dropwise at such a rate the temperature quickly raised to the desired value where it was controlled for
0.5 h. Then the reaction mixture was poured onto crushed ice, the precipitate filtered off, washed with
aqueous sodium bicarbonate and then water. The product was recrystallized from the minimum amount
of glacial acetic acid, filtered, washed with methanol and dried under vacuum at 60ºC to give DPX. All
three dinitro-p-xylenes were formed on direct nitration according to Lellmann [7], who obtained only
2
grams of 2,5-compound from 100 grams of solid product. All other investigators report only the 2,3-
and 2,6-dinitro-p-xylenes. In this work we attempted to separate the isomers using successive
recrystallizations. The solid product from the nitration is dissolved in ethyl alcohol and the solution
evaporated slowly until long pale yellow crystals appeared. These were filtered from the solution,
which was returned to the beaker for further evaporation. In this solution the crystals of
2,3-dinitro-p-xylene was obtained. The 2,6- isomer was separated in pure form relatively easily
because of its low solubility in cold ethyl alcohol, in which the 2,3-isomer is soluble. In this process

Molecules 2005, 10
987
+
we obtained crystals of 2,3-dinitro-p-xylene. MS (m/e): 196 (M , 100). Analysis for DPX: Calcd.: C
9.24, H 4.19, N 14.17; Found: C 48.98, H 4.08, N 14.28; The FT-IR traces of the 2,6-dinitro-p-xylene
4
and 2,3-dinitro-p-xylene are shown in Figure 11 and Figure 12, respectively.
From Figures 11 and 12 we can observe the mainly absorptions of some function groups are as
-
1
-1
-1
s
-1
-1
as
-1
follows: δC-NO2 559 cm , νO-N 710 cm , νC-H 883 cm , ν NO21389 cm , 1285 cm ，ν NO21533 cm ,
-
1
νC-H 3088 cm .
Figure 11. The FT-IR figure of 2,6-dinitro-p-xylene
4000
3500
3000
2500
2000
1500
1000
500
Wavenumber cm-1
Figure 12. The FT-IR figure of 2,3-dinitro-p-xylene
4000
3500
3000
2500
2000
1500
1000
500
Wavenumber cm-1

Molecules 2005, 10
988
Synthesis of trinitro-p-xylene (TPX)
p-Xylene (10 g) was added dropwise over a certain period to a stirred mixture of nitric acid (7 mL),
sulphuric acid (25 mL) and water (15 mL) so as not to allow the temperature to exceed 50ºC. After the
addition, the mixture was poured into a separating funnel so that the bottom layer of residual
acid could be removed. The product-containing top layer was added to sulphuric acid (28 mL) and the
whole added to a mixture of nitric acid (6.5 mL), sulphuric acid (1 mL) and water (0.5 mL) at 70ºC.
When the addition was complete, the temperature was raised to 80 ºC for 10 min, then slowly
increased to 100ºC, and finally increased rapidly to 120 ºC where it was maintained for 1h. The
reaction mixture was then poured onto crushed ice, the precipitate filtered off and washed with
aqueous sodium bicarbonate and then water. The product was recrystallized from the minimum amount
of glacial acetic acid, filtered, washed with methanol and dried under vacuum at 60 ºC to yield TPX
+
(
8.5 g), m.p. 140.9 ºC. MS (m/e): 241 (M , 100). Analysis for TPX: Calcd. C 40.35, H 3.05, N 17.17;
as
s
s
-
1
ν
ν
1350, -O-NO :
ν
Found: C 39.83 H 2.91 N 17.43; IR (cm ): –C-NO
2
:
NO2 1544,
2
1284,
NO2
NO2
1
ν
C-H 3100, 3076, δC-H 875; H-NMR (DMSO) δ ppm 8.467 (s, 1H, C
6
H), 2.476 (s, 3H, CH
3
), 2.393
(
3
s, 3H, CH ). The D.V.S. factor is defined by Groggins [16] as the actual sulfuric acid divided by the
total water present when nitration is completed, both values being on a weight basis. Hence, water
introduced with the reactants-mixed acid and hydrocarbon and water formed in the reaction are both
accounted for in the D.V.S. Although it might be more scientific to use a mole ratio rather than a
weight ratio to express water-sulfuric acid ratio, the fact that analyses of the reactants are given on a
weight basis leads to the use of D.V.S. as a plant operating value. The relationship can be calculated
from the equations:
moles
×98
moles
2
H SO4
MolesH 2 SO 4
Wt. of H SO used
H SO4
2
4
2
D.V.S. =
=
= 5.444
or
＝0.1837 D.V.S.
Wt. of H O at end of reaction
molesH2O ×18
molesH2O
MolesH O
2
2
In this work we selected the optimal reaction conditions for the synthesis of nitro-p-xylene that are
summarized in Table 1.
Table 1 The optimal reaction conditions for synthesis nitro-p-xylene
p-Xylene
Mononitro-
Dinitro-
80
Trinitro-
120
Highest reaction temperature, °C
Nitration time, min.
D.V.S.
30
30
30
60
3.0
1.10
8.0
27.3
3.55
HNO
3
: p-xylene, mole ratio
1.10
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Glinzer, E.; Fitting, R. Ann. 1865, 136, 307-308.
4
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Molecules 2005, 10
989
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1
1
1
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1
1
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Sample availability: Contact the author.
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