Technology Description

The innovation is a novel catalytic chemical process for the manufacture of nitrobenzene by vapor phase nitration of benzene with dilute nitric acid using a solid acid catalyst. It represents a green chemistry technology and should be commercially viable as well. In this process, benzene is nitrated using dilute nitric acid over solid acid catalyst in the vapor phase. Nitrobenzene is formed in high yields and no byproducts such as sulfuric acid are formed in the reaction. Using a solid acid catalyst packed in a tubular reactor, the hazards of handling and having an inventory of sulfuric acid would be totally avoided. The capital cost for the plant based on this technology should be lower by 30-40% compared to the conventional process.

This technology would be of particular interest to the petrochemical industry, particularly operations involved in the production of aniline. The innovation would primarily be a stand-alone product however it would be an integral part of aniline production.

Potential Benefits of The Technology

In this process, use of sulfuric acid is totally avoided by using a solid acid catalyst in which benzene and dilute nitric acid (70%) are passed over the solid acid catalyst at 120 ºC (vapor phase reaction) and nitrobenzene is formed with high conversion and selectivity for nitrobenzene, making the process environmental friendly.

Contact details:

Dr. Mohan Dongare,
National Chemical Laboratory
Email: mk.dongare@ncl.res.in