What Is Nitrotoluene?
Nitrotoluene (NT) is an organic compound in which a hydrogen on the phenyl group of toluene is replaced by a nitro group.
The term “nitrotoluene” usually refers to a single nitro group (when multiple nitro groups are used, they are referred to as dinitrotoluene, trinitrotoluene, etc.) Therefore, it is also known as mononitrotoluene (MNT), methylnitrobenzene, etc.
It is represented by CH3(C6H4)NO2 with molecular formula C7H7NO2, and its molecular weight is 137.136. There are three positional isomers depending on the position of the substituent. Specifically, the three compounds are 2-nitrotoluene (o-nitrotoluene), 3-nitrotoluene (m-nitrotoluene), and 4-nitrotoluene (p-nitrotoluene).
CAS registration numbers are 88-72-2 for 2-nitrotoluene, 99-08-1 for 3-nitrotoluene, and 99-99-0 for 4-nitrotoluene.
Uses of Nitrotoluene
All three isomers of nitrotoluene are used as synthetic organic materials and intermediates in organic synthesis. In particular, 4-nitrotoluene can be used as an intermediate for 4-toluidine, 2,4-dinitrotoluene, 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene, and p-nitrotoluene-o-sulfonic acid.
Otherwise, 2-nitrotoluene may be used in dye intermediates (toluidine, magenta) or as a nitrogen supplement in culture media for pseudomonas (pseudomonas) strain ClS1.
Nitrotoluene can also be further nitrated to synthesize trinitrotoluene, a component of explosives.
Characteristics of Nitrotoluene
1. 2-Nitrotoluene
2-nitrotoluene is a compound in which the second, or ortho, position of toluene is replaced by a nitro group. It has a melting point of -4 to -3°C, a boiling point of 225°C, a density of 1.163 g/cm3, and is an aromatic yellow liquid at room temperature. pH is 6 – 8 and solubility in water is 0.65 g/L (20°C).
As a flammable liquid, there is a risk of fire and explosion.
2. 3-Nitrotoluene
3-Nitrotoluene is a compound in which the third position, or meta-position, of toluene is replaced by a nitro group. It has a melting point of 14-16°C, a boiling point of 230-231°C, and a density of 1.157 g/cm3. It is a yellow liquid with a characteristic odor at room temperature. Its solubility in water is 0.419 g/L (20°C).
As a flammable liquid, there is a risk of fire and explosion.
3. 4-Nitrotoluene
4-Nitrotoluene is a compound in which the fourth, or para-position of toluene, is replaced by a nitro group. It has a melting point of 52-54°C, a boiling point of 238°C, a density of 1.392 g/cm3, and is a pale yellow crystalline solid at room temperature. Its solubility in water is 0.345 g/L (20°C).
Types of Nitrotoluene
As mentioned earlier, nitrotoluene exists in three different regioselective isomers. All compounds are generally available as reagent products for research and development.
They are available in a variety of capacities, including 5mL and 100mL (2-Nitrotoluene), 100g (3-Nitrotoluene), and 100g and 1kg (4-Nitrotoluene), in capacities that are easy to handle in the laboratory. It is handled as a reagent that can be stored at room temperature.
Other Information on Nitrotoluene
Synthesis of Nitrotoluene
Nitrotoluene can be synthesized by nitration of toluene with a mixed acid. Under normal nitration conditions, it has been reported that a ratio of 58% 2-nitrotoluene, 38% 4-nitrotoluene, and 4% 3-nitrotoluene can be obtained.