Importance

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Abstract

Catalysts comprising the adduct of a Group 4b-Group 3b metal oxide composition represented by the empirical formula: (M.sup.1.sub.a M.sup.2.sub.b O.sub.c).sub.x (NO.sub.2).sub.y wherein M.sup.1 is at least one element selected from Group 4b of the Periodic Table of the Elements, M.sup.2 is at least one element selected from Group 3b of the Periodic Table of the Elements, a is 1, b is 0.05 to 20, c is a number taken to satisfy the average valences of M.sup.1 and M.sup.2 in the oxidation states in which they exist in the composition, x is 1, and y is 0 to c, and a catalytically effective amount of sulfur trioxide are useful to catalyze the nitration of aromatic compounds in the vapor phase to produce nitroaromatic compounds. The catalysts are particularly effective to catalyze the vapor phase nitration of chlorobenzene and are characterized in such reaction by providing a para/ortho isomer distribution ratio of at least about 2/1.

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First Claim