EXPERIMENT NO.

3
Preparation of Nitrobenzene

Muhammad
Aleem
2014-CH-66

EXPERIMENT NO.3
Preparation of Nitrobenzene

Apparatus:

Bolt head flask

Water Condenser
Dropping Funnel
Beaker
Stirrer
Water Bath
Filter Paper
Bunsen Burner

Chemicals:

Conc. Sulphuric Acid 40 ml

Conc. Nitric Acid 35 ml
Benzene 29 ml
Distilled water

Objective:
To find % yield of nitrobenzene produced.

Chemical Reaction:

EXPERIMENT NO.3
Preparation of Nitrobenzene

Theory:
This reaction is an example of electrophilic substitution of
benzene. The nitronium ion attacks to the benzene ring resulting
in the formation of a carbocation. Electron releasing substituents
like -CH3, -OCH3, -OH, -NH2 etc activate the ring and stabilize the
carbocation while electron withdrawing groups like -NO2, -CN,
-SO3H, -X activate the carbocation. The nitrating mixture of conc.
H2SO4 and conc. HNO3 con nitrate even deactivated compounds
like nitrobenzene under refluxing conditions to get mdinitrobenzene. For nitration of activated aromatic systems like
phenol and then ether derivatives, even milder conditions can be
used.

Procedure:
Take 35ml of Nitric acid in a bolt head flask. Put it in cold
bath and gradually add conc. Sulphuric acid with continuous
shaking.
After adding all the acid, add 29 ml of benzene in it with
constant time 1-2ml each time shaking..
After adding all the benzene attach it with the vertical
condenser and heat it in a water bath for 45 minutes. During
this the temperature should be maintained at 60 0C.

EXPERIMENT NO.3
Preparation of Nitrobenzene
When the reaction is complete, the acid layer and
nitrobenzene layer is forms. Cool it down.
A layer is formed which separates the nitrobenzene and acid
water layer. Then put the solution in a separating flask and
drain the lower part of it which is nitrobenzene.

Industrial production of Bakelite:

The feed consists of 3 to 7% HNO3, 59 to 67% H2SO4, and 28 to
37% water. Sulfuric acid is necessary to adsorb the water and
energy generated by the heat of reaction. The plant, which
produces 15,000 lb nitrobenzene/h, requires one or two operators
per shift together with a plant supervisor and part-time foreman.
This exothermic reaction is carried out essentially adiabatically, so
that the temperature of the feed stream rises from 90C to 135 0C
at the exit. One observes that the nitro benzene stream from the
separator is used to heat the benzene feed. However, care must
be taken so that the temperature never exceeds 190C, where
secondary reactions could result in an explosion. One of the
safety precautions is the install -ation of relief valves that will
rupture before the temperature approaches 190C, thereby
allowing a boil-off of water and benzene, which would drop the
reactor temperature.

Flow Sheet Diagram:

EXPERIMENT NO.3
Preparation of Nitrobenzene

Precautions:
The reaction is sometimes vigorous and it is better to be a few
feet away from the beaker while adding the H2SO4 and until the
reaction is complete.
Nitrobenzene is highly flammable at 910 C.
Face of beaker should not be towards the face of student because
nitobenzene is flammable and carcinogenic; concentrated nitric
and sulphuric acids are corrosive.
It can be seriously dangerous when inhaled.

Safety Instructions:

EXPERIMENT NO.3
Preparation of Nitrobenzene
Nitrobenzene is highly toxic (Threshold Limit Value 5 mg/m3) and
readily absorbed through the skin.
Prolonged exposure may cause serious damage to the central
nervous system, impair vision, cause liver or kidney damage,
anemia and lung irritation.
Inhalation of vapors may induce headache, nausea, fatigue,
dizziness, cyanosis, weakness in the arms and legs, and in
rare cases may be fatal.
The oil is readily absorbed through the skin and may increase
heart rate, cause convulsions or rarely death. Ingestion may
similarly cause headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting and
gastrointestinal irritation, loss of sensation/use in limbs and
also causes internal bleeding.

Applications:
It is majorly used for production of aniline.
It is also used in rubber and dyes making
One of its indirect uses is explosives production.

References
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nitrobenzene
http://www.umich.edu/~elements/fogler
%26gurmen/html/01chap/html/CD-Ch01-NitroBenzene.pdf

Life itself a quote,

you just have to
think over it.
Muhammad Aleem

EXPERIMENT NO.3
Preparation of Nitrobenzene

Observations and Calculations

Weight of Filter Paper = 1.965 g
Weight of Filter Paper+ Bakelite =47.045 g
Weight of Bakelite = 45.08 g