Abstract:
This invention relates to the azeotropic distillation of a mixture of meta-chloronitrobenzene isomers employing a lower alkylene glycol, lower oxyalkylene glycol or glycerol as the entrainer or azeotrope former. The invention has several distinct advantages, not the least of which that significantly lower still bottom temperatures can be employed, thus reducing the problems associated with the decomposition and potential explosive decomposition of nitroaromatic compounds. In addition improvements in the relative volatility of meta-chloronitrobenzene, as compared to its isomers have been accomplished.