Synthesis of 2-(2,4-Dinitrobenzyl)pyridine
A solution of sulfuric acid (15 mL) is placed in an ice bath along with a magnetic stirrer.Benzylpyridine (2.4 mL) is added dropwise, maintaining a temperature below 10°C. This process is then repeated for fuming nitric acid (3.0 mL), once again maintaining the temperature. After addition mixture is allowed to stand at room temperature for 30minutes. Once completed reaction mixture is heated in an 80°C water bath for 20 minutes. Mixture is then poured into a conical flask containing crushed ice (50 cm3) which is stirred in an ice bath. Using a separating funnel aqueous ammonia is added (50 – 100 mL) until the pH rises to ~9 – 10 and filter using a Buchner funnel. Ethyl acetate (40mL) & sodium hydroxide (40mL) is added to the solid and stirred using a magnetic stirrer until dissolved.
Dry the organic layer using magnesium sulfate as the drying agent which is then followed by a rotary evaporator (40°C, vacuum). Product is then washed using cold methylated spirit and left to recrystalise.
