The nitration of 1,2,3,4-tetramethyl-5,6-dinitrobenzene; X-ray crystal structure of cis-2,5,6,6-Tetramethyl-2,3,4,5-tetranitrocyclohex-3-enone

Abstract

Nitration of 1,2,3,4-tetramethyl-5,6-dinitrobenzene (1) with fuming nitric acid in dichloromethane gives cis-and trans-2,5,6,6-tetramethyl-2,3,4,5-tetranitrocyclohex-3-enones (9) and (10), the structure of the cis isomer being confirmed by X-ray crystal structure analysis. The mechanism of formation of tetranitro ketones (9) and (10) is discussed.