Important Topic of Chemsitry: P-Nitroacetanilide

4-Nitroacetanilide is another name for para nitro acetanilide. A chemical product that is a derivative of nitro acetanilide formed from a combination of nitrating and acetanilide is classified as para nitro acetanilide. A trace of ortho product is created along with the para product.

p-Acetamido Nitrobenzene, N-(4-nitrophenyl) acetamide, N-Acetyl-4-nitroaniline, and p-Nitroacetanilide are some of the other names for p-Nitroacetanilide.

Nitration is used to create the chemical molecule p-nitroacetanilide from acetanilide. P-nitroacetanilide is generated when acetanilide is treated with a nitrating combination consisting of nitric acid and sulfuric acid. In addition to p-nitroacetanilide, o-nitroacetanilide is generated as a minor product. Because o-nitroacetanilide is very soluble in alcohol, crystallization is a simple method for isolating p-nitroacetanilide.

Chemical Structure of P-Nitroacetanilide

• Chemical Formula: C8H8N2O3
• Molecular Weight: 180.16 g/mol
• IUPAC Name: N-(4-Nitrophenyl)acetamide
• Structure:
  The compound consists of an acetanilide core with a nitro (-NO2) group attached to the para (4th) position of the benzene ring.

Physical Properties of P-Nitroacetanilide

• Appearance: Pale yellow crystalline solid
• Melting Point: Approximately 214–216°C
• Solubility: Slightly soluble in water but soluble in organic solvents such as ethanol and acetone.

Preparation of P-Nitroacetanilide

P-Nitroacetanilide is commonly synthesized through the nitration of acetanilide. The process involves the following steps:

1. Reagents Required:
   • Acetanilide
   • Concentrated sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄)
   • Concentrated nitric acid (HNO₃)
2. Reaction Steps:
   • Dissolve acetanilide in concentrated sulfuric acid to form a stable solution.
   • Slowly add nitric acid to the solution under controlled conditions to introduce the nitro group.
   • Maintain the reaction temperature around 0–5°C to avoid over-nitration.
   • Filter and purify the product through recrystallization using ethanol or another suitable solvent.

Applications of P-Nitroacetanilide

1. Dye Industry:
   P-Nitroacetanilide serves as a precursor in the production of azo dyes and pigments.
2. Pharmaceuticals:
   It is utilized in the synthesis of certain drugs and bioactive compounds.
3. Research and Education:
   A popular compound for teaching nitration and recrystallization techniques in organic chemistry labs.

Safety and Handling

• Hazards:
  P-Nitroacetanilide is an irritant and can cause skin, eye, and respiratory tract irritation. Prolonged exposure may be harmful.
• Precautions:
  • Use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, goggles, and a lab coat.
  • Work in a well-ventilated area or under a fume hood.
  • Dispose of waste materials according to local regulations.

Conclusion

P-Nitroacetanilide is an important organic compound with diverse applications in the chemical industry. Understanding its properties, synthesis, and applications is essential for students and professionals working in organic chemistry and related fields..