NATURAL BENTONITE CLAY/DILUTE HNO₃ (40%)—A MILD, EFFICIENT, AND REUSABLE CATALYST/REAGENT SYSTEM FOR SELECTIVE MONO NITRATION AND BENZYLIC OXIDATIONS

ABSTRACT

Selective mono nitration of Aromatic hydrocarbons and benzylic oxidations can be achieved in high yield using reusable catalyst/reagent system consisting of bentonite clay and dilute HNO₃ under relatively mild experimental conditions. The dual behavior of the catalyst reagent system is utilized for the regioselective synthesis of a variety of industrially important compounds.

Keywords:

• Nitration
• Benzylic oxidation
• Bentonite clay
• Dilute HNO₃

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

One of the authors, D. B., wishes to thank S.E.R.C., Department of Science and Technology, Government of India for providing financial assistance under the Fast Track scheme for young scientists. We also thank C.S.I.R., Government of India for providing financial support under N.M.I.T.L.I. program.