Ipso nitration. XVIII. Nitrationof 2-chloro-1,3,5-trimethylbenzene: nitration ipso to chlorine

Nitration of 2-chloro-1,3,5-trimethylbenzene in acetic anhydride gives the cis and trans isomers of 4-chloro-1,3,5-trimethyl-4-nitrocyclohexa-2,5-dienyl acetate (1, 21%), the cis and trans isomers of 3-chloro-2,4,6-trimethyl-4-nitrocyclohexa-2,5-dienyl acetate (2, 6%), and 2-chloro-1,3,5-trimethyl-4-nitrobenzene (73%). Diene 1 reacts with acidified aqueous acetone to form the corresponding dienol, acidified methanol to form the methyl ether, and hydrogen chloride to form the corresponding chloride. In acetic acid a mixture of 4-chloro-3,5-dimethyl-benzyl derivatives and 3-chloro-2,4,6-trimethylphenyl acetate are formed. In trifluoroacetic acid – trifluoroacetic anhydride and also in boron trifluoride etherate, 2-chloro-1,3,5-trimethyl-4-nitrobenzene is the predominant product. Diene 2 on reaction with acetic acid, acidified methanol, trifluoroacetic acid – trifluoroacetic anhydride, and boron trifluoride etherate gives 3-chloro-2,4,6-trimethylphenyl acetate. Some 2-chloro-4-nitromesitylene is obtained in trifluoromethanesulfonic acid. Diene 2 also gives the acetate on standing at ambient temperature or at −20 °C, and on pyrolysis. Diene 1 gives 4-chloro-3,5-dimethylphenylnitromethane on standing at ambient temperature or at −20 °C but a mixture of 2-chloro-1,3,5-trimethyl-4-nitrobenzene, chloromesitylene, and 3-chloro-2,4,6-trimethylphenyl acetate on pyrolysis.