Synthesis of (E) α,2,4-Trinitrostilbenes from (E) 2,4-Dinitrostilbenes

Abstract

A convenient synthesis of (E) α,2,4-trinitrostilbenes 2a–d from (E) 2,4-dinitrostilbenes la–e by direct nitration is reported. Isomerization of the trans geometry of the reactant stilbenes to cis in the products was found. The structures of stilbenes 2a, 2c and 2d were confirmed by XRD.

Acknowledgment

The authors thank Dr. Paul Ratnasamy, Director; NCL, Pune for providing CHN data for the stilbenes 2a–d, Prof. D. Velmurugan, Dept. of Biophysics and Crystallography, University of Madras, for providing XRD data for stilbenes 1e, 2a, 2c and 2d, CSIR, New Delhi for financial support and the UGC-SAP Government of India for instrument grants to this department.