Nitroaromatic Compounds, from Synthesis to Biodegradation

Nitroaromatic compounds are relatively rare in nature and have been introduced into the environment mainly by human activities. This important class of industrial chemicals is widely used in the synthesis of many diverse products, including dyes, polymers, pesticides, and explosives. Unfortunately, their extensive use has led to environmental contamination of soil and groundwater. The nitro group, which provides chemical and functional diversity in these molecules, also contributes to the recalcitrance of these compounds to biodegradation. The electron-withdrawing nature of the nitro group, in concert with the stability of the benzene ring, makes nitroaromatic compounds resistant to oxidative degradation.…

• NS
  National Science Foundation
• NI
  National Institutes of Health
• SE
  Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program
• AR
  Army Research Office

  Award: W911NF