Al(H2PO4)3: An efficient catalyst for nitration of organic compounds with nitric acid

Al(H2PO4)3 serves as an efficient solid acid catalyst for nitration of a variety of organic substrates with nitric acid (70%). The protocol is applicable to various substituted aromatic and polyaromatic compounds giving good yields. Oxidation prone substrates seem to prefer oxidation over nitration. Versatility, avoidance of sulfuric acid and recyclability of the catalyst are some of the attributes in the protocol.