Application of H-ZSM-5 Zeolite for Regioselective Mononitration of Toluene

Article abstract of DOI:10.1021/jo00096a042

The nitration of toluene with n-propyl nitrate has been carried out in the presence of H-ZSM-5 as the catalyst.Several H-ZSM-5 catalysts with different Si/Al ratios were investigated to determine the influence of varying Si/Al ratios on the catalytic activity.It was found that high Si/Al ratios enhanced the regioselectivity for the p-nitrotoluene over the ortho isomer under comparable conditions.The best o:m:p product distribution (5:0:95) was achieved using H-ZSM-5 with a Si/Al ratio of 1000.The isolable yield is 54percent.In contrast to conventional nitration methods, the product distribution reported in this study is remarkable.