Controlled Autocatalytic Nitration of Phenol in a Microreactor

Abstract

Scaled-down approach: The nitration of phenol is an autocatalytic, strongly exothermic reaction and is thus difficult to handle on an industrial scale. Continuous nitration in a microreactor (see picture) affords higher yields and enhanced process safety, thanks to good heat exchange and mixing properties, as well as rapid radical propagation under sufficiently harsh conditions.