Wolffenstein–Böters reaction
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The Wolffenstein–Böters reaction is an interesting organic reaction where benzene is converted to picric acid by using a mixture of aqueous nitric acid and mercury(II) nitrate. It is a simple route to picric acid.
Contents
Mechanism
The reaction has not been investigated thoroughly, but research done show the following: benzene is converted to the corresponding nitroso compound by the mercury(II) nitrate and through the diazonium salt to the phenol. The presence of nitrite is essential for the reaction; picric acid formation is prevented when urea, a trap for nitrous acid, is added to the mixture. From then on the reaction proceeds as a regular aromatic nitration.[1]
Procedure
Projects
- Make picric acid
Safety
Mercury(II) nitrate is extremely toxic and proper protection must be worn when handling the compound.
