Bismuth Triflate Catalyzed Mononitration of Aromatic Compounds with N2O5

This page isvestigated that bismuth triflate catalysed the nitration of a range of simple aromatic compounds in good to excellent yields at 0-30 ºC within 2 h using N2O5 has been investigated and the catalyst can be recycled without apparent loss of activity. Mechanistic insights demonstrate that triflic acid is generated and that, at least, two competing catalytic cycles are operating at the same time: a rapid one involving triflic acid and a slower one involving the bismuth triflate.