Regioselective ortho-nitration of N-phenyl carboxamides and primary anilines using bismuth nitrate/acetic anhydride

An efficient and one-pot synthetic method for the regioselective ortho-nitration of the N-phenyl carboxamides and primary anilines has been developed by using bismuth nitrate and acetic anhydride as the nitrating reagents. Reaction proceeds at room temperature and results in corresponding ortho-nitrated products in moderate to excellent yields. This method provides an operationally simple, regioselective, and efficient access to synthesize o-nitro anilines under the mild conditions.