Uses of nitrobenzene

Specialized applications

More specialized applications include the use of nitrobenzene as a precursor to rubber chemicals, pesticides, dyes, explosives, and pharmaceuticals. Nitrobenzene is also used in shoe and floor polishes, leather dressings, paint solvents, and other materials to mask unpleasant odors. Redistilled, as oil of mirbane, nitrobenzene has been used as an inexpensive perfume for soaps. A significant merchant market for nitrobenzene is its use in the production of the analgesicparacetamol (also known as acetaminophen) (Mannsville 1991)[2]. Nitrobenzene is also used in Kerr cells, as it has an unusually large Kerr constant.

Organic reactions

Aside from its conversion to aniline, nitrobenzene is readily converted to related derivatives such asazobenzene, nitrosobenzene, and phenylhydroxylamine. The nitro- group is deactivating, thus substitution tends to occur at the meta-position.