Aromatic nitration using nitroguanidine and EGDN

Acid catalyzed nitration has been examined using a variety of novel nitration agents: guanidine nitrate (GN) and nitroguanidine (NQ) as well as the simple nitrate ester, ethylene glycol dinitrate (EGDN). Reactions with either activated or deactivated aromatic substrates proceed rapidly and in high yield. Regioselectivity was similar for all nitrating agents examined. The synthetic advantages of liquid EGDN include high solubility in organic solvents, strong nitration activity and ease of preparation.