Uses
2-Nitro-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenol has been used in the synthesis of 2-methyl-2-[2-nitro-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenoxy]propionic acid ethyl ester.
General Description
2-Nitro-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenol is the major product of solution phase photodecomposition of fluorodifen.
Safety Profile
Moderately toxic byintraperitoneal route. When heated to decomposition itemits toxic vapors of NOx and Fí.
Synthesis
Example 1: 400 mL of methanol, 20 g of dodecyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride and 180 g of 4-chloro-3-nitrobenzotrifluoride were added to a reaction flask with stirring turned on. Subsequently, 400 g of 50% sodium hydroxide solution was slowly added dropwise, with the dropwise acceleration controlled to raise the reaction temperature to 70°C in about 20 minutes. The reaction mixture was continued stirring at 65°C for 4 hours. Upon completion of the reaction, the mixture was cooled in an ice water bath and the pH was adjusted with concentrated hydrochloric acid to 3. 2-Nitro-4-trifluoromethylphenol was isolated by steam distillation, and about 50 mL of concentrated hydrochloric acid was added to the receiver to facilitate phase separation. After gas chromatographic analysis, 156 g of 2-nitro-4-trifluoromethylphenol was obtained with a purity of >98.5% and a yield of 91% of the theoretical value. The boiling point of the product was 92 °C-95 °C (15 mmHg) and the refractive index nD20 was 1.5020.
References
[1] Patent: US4225731, 1980, A
