Document Type
Thesis
Date of Award
6-30-1961
Degree Name
Master of Science in Chemical Engineering - (M.S.)
Department
Chemical Engineering
First Advisor
Saul I. Kreps
Second Advisor
James A. Bradley
Third Advisor
Michael Frederick
Abstract
The factors affecting the electrolytic oxidation of p-nitrotoluene to p-nitrobenzoic acid have been studied, and optimum conditions determined for obtaining the best overall yield of 65.7 per cent. These Anode:lead sheetCathode:lead sheetAnolyte:250 cc of 50 per cent sulfuric acid
10 grams of p-nitrotoluene
5 grams of chromic trioxideCatholyte:250 cc of 50 per cent sulfuric acidVoltage:4.5 ± .5 voltsCurrent density:3.0 amperes per square decimeter.Temperatures65 ± 3°CReaction time:fifty per cent of the theoretical time required
It was observed that high potentials and prolonged reaction periods are detrimental to the yield.
A mechanism for the electrolytic oxidation process is suggested, based on experimental observations. It is proposed that the electrolytic oxidation of p-nitrotoluene to p-nitrobenzoic acid in 50 per cent sulfuric acid, is carried out via the chemical oxidation action of chromic trioxide catalyst, in which the current is used to facilitate the selective oxidation of the side-chain methyl group and to retard the destructive oxidation attack on the aromatic ring by the chromic trioxide oxidizing agent.
The electrolytic oxidation process to produce p-nitrobenzoic acid from p-nitrotoluene is not economically feasible at this stage. It is felt that room exists for further development of the process.
Recommended Citation
Shamy, Mustafa Darwish, "The electrolytic oxidation of para-nitrotoluene" (1961). Theses. 3235.
https://digitalcommons.njit.edu/theses/3235
