[Chemical Knowledge]：Properties, uses, upstream and downstream raw materials, storage methods, boiling point and water solubility characteristics of o-nitrophenol

PROPERTIES OF O-NITROPHENOL

Ortho-nitrophenol (2-nitrophenol, ONP) is a yellow crystalline compound with the chemical formula C6H5NO3. It has a special smell, with a melting point of about 45-46°C and a boiling point of 279°C. At room temperature, o-nitrophenol is more stable, but it may decompose under high temperature or strong acid-base environment. Its solubility is low, but soluble in ethanol, ether and other organic solvents, solubility in water is relatively low. Ortho-nitrophenol has weak acidity, and its acid dissociation constant (pKa) is about 7.23.

Ortho-Nitrophenol Uses

Ortho-nitrophenol is widely used in many industrial fields. It is an important intermediate in the dye industry for the synthesis of various azo dyes and acid dyes. In the pharmaceutical industry, o-nitrophenol is used as an intermediate in drug synthesis, especially in the production of antibacterial and antifungal drugs. Ortho-nitrophenol is also used in the pesticide industry, mainly in the manufacture of herbicides and fungicides. It can also be used as a reagent in chemical analysis, especially when detecting certain metal ions.

Ortho-Nitrophenol Upstream Feedstock

The main upstream raw materials for the production of o-nitrophenol include phenol and nitric acid. Phenol is a compound obtained by petroleum cracking or coal tar separation, while nitric acid is produced by ammoxidation. The specific production process is usually a nitration reaction of phenol and nitric acid in the presence of a catalyst to generate o-nitrophenol. The reaction requires appropriate temperature and pressure control to ensure efficient reaction and minimize by-product formation.

o-Nitrophenol Downstream Products

As an important chemical intermediate, the downstream products of o-nitrophenol are very diverse. Its main downstream products are all kinds of dyes, such as azo dyes, acid dyes, etc., which are widely used in textile, leather and paper industries. In the field of medicine, o-nitrophenol can be used to synthesize a variety of drugs, such as antibiotics, antifungal drugs and analgesics. Ortho-nitrophenol is also used in the production of herbicides, fungicides and other pesticide products to help improve the yield and quality of crops.

ORTHO-NITROPHENOL STORAGE METHOD

Because o-nitrophenol has certain toxicity and corrosiveness, and it is easy to decompose under high temperature or strong acid and alkali environment, its storage needs special attention. Under normal circumstances, o-nitrophenol should be stored in a cool, well-ventilated warehouse, away from direct sunlight and high temperature environment. Keep away from fire and heat sources, and prohibit mixed storage with strong acid, strong alkali, oxidant, etc. Use corrosion-resistant containers (such as glass bottles or special plastic containers) to prevent evaporation and moisture absorption. The storage area shall be well ventilated and equipped with emergency treatment facilities for leakage.

Safety Precautions

Necessary safety precautions should be taken when handling and using o-nitrophenol. Operators should wear protective equipment such as protective clothing, gloves and goggles to avoid direct contact with chemicals. The workplace should be equipped with emergency eyewash and shower equipment to deal with possible accidental contact. Ortho-nitrophenol dust has an irritating effect on the respiratory tract, and prolonged exposure may lead to chronic poisoning. Therefore, it is necessary to ensure good ventilation in the working environment and wear appropriate dust masks.

Environmental Impact and Treatment

Ortho-nitrophenol is harmful to the environment, especially to aquatic organisms. The waste water and waste gas generated in the production process should be strictly treated and discharged after meeting the environmental protection emission standards. Common treatment methods include biodegradation, adsorption, chemical oxidation, etc. In the process of transportation, it is necessary to strictly follow the hazardous chemical transportation specifications, use special transportation tools, and be equipped with necessary emergency treatment equipment.

Market Prospects and Trends

With the continuous development of industries such as dyes, pharmaceuticals and pesticides, the demand for o-nitrophenol is expected to grow steadily. Especially under the background that green chemical industry and environmental protection products are gradually paid attention to, the development of low toxicity and environment-friendly production technology and application technology will become the future development direction. Enterprises should pay attention to technological innovation, improve production efficiency and reduce production costs in order to enhance market competitiveness.

Conclusion

As an important chemical intermediate, o-nitrophenol has broad application prospects. Through the analysis of its nature, use, upstream and downstream raw materials, storage methods and other aspects, we can understand its position and role in the chemical industry more comprehensively. In the future, with technological progress and changes in market demand, the o-nitrophenol industry is expected to usher in new development opportunities. Enterprises should keep up with the market trend, strengthen technology research and development, improve product quality, in order to cope with the increasingly fierce market competition.