Gas phase nitration of benzene on ZSM-5 zeolite has been studied at 14
0-170 degrees C. Increase in the HNO3/C6H6 ratio of the starting mixtu
re was shown to increase the nitrobenzene yield. Process parameters wo
rsened with time since reagents and products were strongly adsorbed an
d left the zeolite surface only at 220-250 degrees C as CO, CO2 and NO
.