Patent ID: 7041858

Claim:
A process for the isothermal nitration of aromatic organic compounds, comprising (A) contacting (1) an aromatic organic compound, with (2) a mixture of (a) sulfuric acid and (b) nitric acid, via a mixing nozzle which comprises a substantially cylindrical tubular reactor and an annular gap surrounding the cylindrical tubular reactor, in which (1) said aromatic organic compound flows through the tubular reactor, and (2) said mixture of (a) sulfuric acid and (b) nitric acid flows through the annular gap, and (1) and (2) are mixed together upon emerging from the tubular reactor and the annular gap, wherein the ratio of the average rates of flow of (1) aromatic organic compound in the tubular reactor and of (2) the mixture of (a) sulfuric acid and (b) nitric acid in the annular gap ranges from about 0.5:1 to about 10:1; and (B) reacting the mixture of (1) said aromatic organic compound, and (2) said mixture of (a) sulfuric acid and (b) nitric acid, thereby forming nitrated aromatic organic compounds.