Studies on the Nitration of m-Cresol. A New Selective Method for the Preparation of 3-Methyl-6-nitrophenol

Abstract

A new selective method for the nitration of m-cresol has been established. 3-Methyl-6-nitrophenol was most efficiently prepared by nitration of 3-methyl-4-sulfophenyl carbonate or phosphate and subsequent hydrolysis and desulfonation. Steric effects on the attacks of sulfonium or nitronium ion to the phosphate are discussed.