Efficient Catalytic Alkane Nitration with NO2 under Air Assisted by N-Hydroxyphthalimide

Higher alkanes such as cyclohexane, cyclooctane, and adamantane undergo nitration with NO2 in the presence of a catalytic amount of N-hydroxyphthalimide to form the corresponding nitroalkanes [Eq. (1)]. Furthermore, the nitration is conducted under air, and NO generated in the course of the reaction can be reoxidized by O2 to NO2, and thus reused in the nitration.