nitrobenzene, C H NO , very poisonous, flammable, pale yellow, liquid aromatic

6 5 2

compound with an odor like that of bitter almonds. It is sometimes called oil of mirbane or nitrobenzol. Nitrobenzene melts at 5.85C;, boils at 210.9C;, is only slightly soluble in water, but is very soluble in ethanol, ether, and benzene. It is prepared by treating benzene with a mixture of nitric and sulfuric acids; in the resulting nitration reaction, one hydrogen in the benzene molecule is replaced with a nitro group, NO2. The major use of nitrobenzene is in the production of aniline aniline , C6H5NH2, colorless, oily, basic liquid organic compound; chemically, a primary aromatic amine whose molecule is formed by replacing one hydrogen atom of a benzene molecule with an amino group. ..... Click the link for more information. , commercially the most important amine; nitrobenzene is heated with iron and dilute hydrochloric acid, and the resulting anilinium chloride is treated with sodium carbonate to release aniline. In the pharmaceutical industry nitrobenzene is used in the production of the analgesic acetaminophen acetaminophen , an analgesic and fever-reducing medicine similar in effect to aspirin. It is an active ingredient in many over-thecounter medicines, including Tylenol and Midol. ..... Click the link for more information. , or paracetamol. Nitrobenzene is also used in shoe and floor polishes, leather dressings, and paint solvents to mask unpleasant odors. As oil of mirbane, nitrobenzene was used as an inexpensive perfume for soaps and cosmetics but is now considered too toxic for such applications.
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nitrobenzene [ntrbenzn]
(organic chemistry) C6H5NO2Greenish crystals or a yellowish liquid, melting point 5.70C; a toxic material; used in aniline manufacture. Also known as oil of mirbane.