Question
Explain what is meant by the 'protection of the amino group'.?
Solution
Direct nitration of aniline (and other aryl amines) results in oxidized, tarry material. This is prevented by acetylation of the amino group before nitration. The hydrolysis of the o- and p- nitro acetanilide yields the corresponding nitro anilines. Acetylation of arylamines prior to substitution reactions is referred to as the “protection of the amino group.”
