Abstract This invention relates to a process for the nitration of organic compounds, especially aromatic compounds, which comprises contacting said compound with a nitrating agent at conditions whereby a nitrated product is formed. The nitration agent and the compound are substantially separated by means of a polymeric membrane, said polymeric membrane preferably comprising sulfonic acid groups, pendant to the polymeric backbone. In a most preferred embodiment, the membrane is a perfluorosulfonic acid polymer. The use of this most preferred polymeric material as a membrane in the instant process allows the nitration of aromatic organic compounds to take place without the incorporation of strong sulfuric acid in the nitrating agent.
In a process for the nitration of organic compounds which comprises contacting the organic compound with a nitrating agent at a temperature and pressure sufficient to form a nitrated reaction product, the improvement which comprises maintaining the nitrating agent and the organic compound substantially separated by means of a membrane, said membrane being substantially chemically inert to the action of both the organic compound and the nitration agent.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
68 words
In a process for the nitration of organic compounds which comprises contacting the organic compound with a nitrating agent at a temperature and pressure sufficient to form a nitrated reaction product, the improvement which comprises maintaining the nitrating agent and the organic compound substantially separated by means of a membrane, said membrane being substantially chemically inert to the action of both the organic compound and the nitration agent.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
13 words
The process of claim 1 wherein said membrane is a perfluorosulfonic acid polymer.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
13 words
The process of claim 2 wherein the organic compound is an aromatic compound.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
21 words
The process of claim 2 wherein said aromatic compound is selected from the group consisting of benzene, toluene, xylene and anisole.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
12 words
The process of claim 2 wherein said nitration agent comprises nitric acid.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
22 words
The process of claim 2 wherein said nitration agent comprises from 5 to 100 weight percent nitric acid in an aqueous medium.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
13 words
The process of claim 6 wherein said nitrating agent additionally comprises sulfuric acid.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
18 words
The process of claim 2 wherein said perfluorosulfonic acid membrane is in the form of a hollow fiber.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
18 words
The process of claim 2 wherein said perfluorosulfonic acid membrane has an equivalent weight of 900 to 1700.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
11 words
The process of claim 2 wherein said aromatic compound is benzene.