Poly(4-vinylpyridine)-nitrating mixture complex (PVP-NM): solid nitrating mixture equivalent for safe and efficient aromatic nitration

Abstract

Friedel–Crafts type aromatic nitration has served as an indispensable reaction within both industrial and academic applications. However, growing concern over the use of copious amounts of strong acids has prompted the search for more environmentally friendly alternatives. Polymer-bound Brønsted acids, on the other hand, have been shown useful as convenient alternatives to liquid acids. Nitric acid and sulfuric acids have, therefore, been combined, both individually and as a mixture, with poly(4-vinylpyridine). The new solid acid systems have been used to nitrate both activated and deactivated arenes under mild conditions and proved to be effective nitrating agent.