Conversion of 2,4,6-Trinitrobenzyl Chloride to 2,2',4,4',6,6'- Hexanitrostilbene by Nitrogen Bases

摘要

2,2',4,4',6,6' - Hexanitrostilbene (HNS) can be obtained from 2,4,6 - trinitrobenzyl chloride (TNBzCl) in substantially improved yields using certain nitrogen bases in place of sodium hydroxide. The highest yields, around 70%, were obtained with isopropylamine and triethylamine. This compares with 40% obtained from sodium hydroxide under the same conditions. The key to obtaining high yields of HNS from TNBzCl is attributed to the ability of the nitrogen base to supply OH- in a continuous, controlled manner while keeping the OH- concentration at a suitably low level.