Nitration is a basic chemical reaction for introduction of different functionalities into an aromatic system. It is often the first step in a chain of reactions that will ultimately lead to a complex structure.

Cambrex has a long history of performing nitrations. We have put special emphasis on molecules that are difficult to nitrate, for instance deactivated molecules, which require harsh conditions for the introduction of the nitro group. High temperatures and the use of oleum (SO3) are common procedures in all scales. The introduction of more than one nitro group into a molecule is an example of a difficult nitration where the possible explosive character of the substrate increases the complexity of the reaction. Our in-house testing facilities for process safety are a necessary prerequisite before scaling up such processes.