2-Nitrobenzoic acid

CAS NO.：552-16-9
Empirical Formula: C7H5NO4
Molecular Weight: 167.12
MDL number: MFCD00007137
EINECS: 209-004-9
SAFETY DATA SHEET (SDS)
Update Date: 2026-01-27 08:46:37

What is 2-Nitrobenzoic acid?

Chemical properties

off-white powder

The Uses of 2-Nitrobenzoic acid

2-Nitrobenzoic Acid is used as a reagent in the synthesis of several organic compounds including that of novel triazoles and a tetrazole of escitalopram which act as cholinesterase inhibitors. It is also used in the one pot synthesis of 1,4-disubstituted 1,2,3-triazoles.

The Uses of 2-Nitrobenzoic acid

NH2-protecting reagent.

Definition

ChEBI: A nitrobenzoic acid carrying the nitro substituent at position 2.

Synthesis Reference(s)

The Journal of Organic Chemistry, 56, p. 5924, 1991 DOI: 10.1021/jo00020a040
Tetrahedron Letters, 35, p. 219, 1994 DOI: 10.1016/S0040-4039(00)76515-4

General Description

Yellowish white crystals with an intensely sweet taste.

Air & Water Reactions

Insoluble in water.

Reactivity Profile

2-Nitrobenzoic acid is incompatible with strong oxidizing agents. Also incompatible with strong bases. May react with cyanides .

Health Hazard

ACUTE/CHRONIC HAZARDS: When 2-Nitrobenzoic acid is heated to decomposition it emits very toxic fumes.

Fire Hazard

Flash point data concerning 2-Nitrobenzoic acid are not available, however, 2-Nitrobenzoic acid is probably combustible.

Purification Methods

Crystallise the acid from *benzene (twice), n-butyl ether (twice), then water (twice). Dry and store it in a vacuum desiccator. [Le Noble & Wheland J Am Chem Soc 80 5397 1958.] It has also been crystallised from EtOH/H2O. The amide has m 176.5o (from H2O). [Beilstein 9 III 1466, 9 IV 1046.]

Properties of 2-Nitrobenzoic acid

Melting point:	146-148 °C(lit.)
Boiling point:	295.67°C (rough estimate)
Density	1,58 g/cm³
refractive index	1.6280 (estimate)
storage temp.	Sealed in dry,Room Temperature
solubility	7.8g/l
pka	2.16(at 18℃)
form	Fine Powder
Specific Gravity	1.58
color	Off-white
Water Solubility	6.8 g/L
Merck	14,6588
BRN	1910632
Stability:	Stable. Incompatible with strong oxidizing agents, strong bases.
CAS DataBase Reference	552-16-9(CAS DataBase Reference)
NIST Chemistry Reference	Benzoic acid, 2-nitro-(552-16-9)
EPA Substance Registry System	o-Nitrobenzoic acid (552-16-9)

Safety information for 2-Nitrobenzoic acid

Signal word	Warning
Pictogram(s)	Exclamation Mark Irritant GHS07
GHS Hazard Statements	H315:Skin corrosion/irritation H319:Serious eye damage/eye irritation H335:Specific target organ toxicity, single exposure;Respiratory tract irritation
Precautionary Statement Codes	P261:Avoid breathing dust/fume/gas/mist/vapours/spray. P264:Wash hands thoroughly after handling. P264:Wash skin thouroughly after handling. P271:Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area. P280:Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection. P302+P352:IF ON SKIN: wash with plenty of soap and water. P305+P351+P338:IF IN EYES: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continuerinsing.