Abstract

Aromatic nitro compounds are widely used to synthesize medicine, dyes, spices, and other organic synthesis reagents for their wide sources and low cost. One of the most important uses is the synthesis of phenolic compounds. Moreover, the nitro group on the aromatic ring can be converted to hydroxyl after reduction, diazotization, and hydrolysis, which is a traditional method to get hydroxyl. This mini-review describes the methodologies and mechanisms of nitro- hydroxylation on aromatic rings and other unique transformation methods.

Keywords: Aromatic nitro compounds, phenolic compounds, nucleophilic substitution, diazotization, hydrolysis, hydroxyl group.