Synthesis of 2,4-Dinitrotoluene via Selective Nitration of Toluene and Its Derivatives in the Presence of New Acidic Ionic Liquids

Plasticizers are compounds which add to solid propellants’ formulations to improve their mechanical properties. These materials have key role in the control of mechanical properties. 2,4-Dinitrotoluene (2,4-DNT) is one of the most important plasticizers of double based propellants. In this study, new series of Brønsted acidic ionic liquids (ILs) have been prepared and introduced as catalysts for the synthesis of 2,4-DNT plasticizer. The synthesized ILs were characterized by IR and NMR spectroscopies. The nitration reactions of toluene, 2-nitrotoluene and 4-nitrotoluene with nitric acid in the presence of these ILs were successfully done. Effective parameters such as solvent, temperature, molar ratios of the reactants and the catalyst amount on these reactions were investigated and optimized. High selectivity of the reaction, high purity of the product, use of green, non corrosive, non toxic and reusable catalyst are some advantages of this method.