Complex Phase Behavior in Aromatic Nitration Reactions and Reactor Behavior

摘要

Aromatic nitration is a relatively old industrial process that has been conducted over 70 years. It is however a highly dangerous reaction owing to the highly exothermic nature of the reaction and the instability of the products when mixed with certain contaminants or when exposed to elevated temperatures (Duh, 1997). The process has therefore been and continues to be the cause of a number of industrial incidents (Gustin, 1998). It is therefore believed that additional analysis of the process, the reaction, and the dynamics thereof could assist in improving the safety of the process and preventing future accidents with a focus on the nitration of toluene in continuous systems.