Natural Bentonite Clay/Dilute Hno₃(40%)—a Mild, Efficient, and Reusable Catalyst/Reagent System for Selective Mono Nitration and Benzylic Oxidations

Selective mono nitration of Aromatic hydrocarbons and benzylic oxidations can be achieved in high yield using reusable catalyst/reagent system consisting of bentonite clay and dilute HNO3 under relatively mild experimental conditions. The dual behavior of the catalyst reagent system is utilized for the regioselective synthesis of a variety of industrially important compounds.