Hydroxylation of nitroarenes with alkyl hydroperoxide anions via Vicarious Nucleophilic Substitution of hydrogen

Carbo- -and heterocyclic nitroarenes react with anions of tert-butyl and cumyl hydroperoxides in the presence of strong bases to form substituted o- and p-nitrophenols. The reaction usually proceeds in high yields and is of practical value as a method of synthesis and manufacturing of nitrophenols. Orientation of the hydroxylation can be controlled to a substantial extent by selection of the proper conditions. Basic mechanistic features of this process were clarified.