4-Nitrotoluene
4-Nitrotoluene or para-nitrotoluene is an organic compound with the formula CH3C6H4NO2. It is a pale yellow solid. It is one of three isomers of nitrotoluene.Together with other isomers, 4-nitrotoluene is prepared by nitration of toluene. It undergoes the reactions, e.g. hydrogenation gives p-toluidine.Applications
The principle application involves its sulfonation to give the 4-nitrotoluene-2-sulfonic acid. This species can be oxidatively coupled to produce stilbene derivatives, which are used as dyes. Representative derivatives include the molecular and salt forms of 4,4'-dinitroso- and the 4,4'-dinitro-2,2'-stilbenedisulfonic acids, e.g. disodium 4,4'-dinitrostilbene-2,2'-disulfonate.Safety
Evidence exists for toxicity and carcinogenicity in mice.
