Abstract:

A new approach to synthesize Sumithion was developed, including three steps:nitrosation, oxidation and condensation. Under the conditions of nitrosation the m-cresol was nitrosated by HNO₂ to p-nitroso-m-cresol and the remained p-cresol could be easily removed by washing with toluene and recovered. p-Nitroso-m-cresol was then oxidized by HNO₃ to p-nitro-m-cresol, the sodium salt of which is more stable in high temperature drying than p-nitro-m-cresol itself. Sumithion was obtained in a high yield.