Zeolite Y-assisted nitration of aromatic and heterocyclic compounds and decarboxylative nitration of α,β-unsaturated acids under non-conventional conditions

Zeolite Y was found to be an efficient catalyst for a facile nitration of aromatic compounds with acetonitrile as the solvent in the presence of small amounts of HNO 3 at room temperature. The reactions afforded mono-nitro derivatives of aromatic compounds in about three hours under stirred conditions with high yields and regioselectivity. The reaction times drastically reduced to about 20 min under sonication and to about 20 s under microwave irradiation. Zeolite is recovered after completion of the reaction and recycled for three to four times without any problem. The approach is particularly appropriate for the conversion of unsaturated cinnamic acids into nitrostyrenes. The approach outlined in this paper is particularly appropriate for the conversion of unsaturated cinnamic acids into nitrostyrenes.