Nitration of <i>N</i>-acetyl anilides using silver(I) nitrate/persulfate combination

Nitration of N-acetyl anilides using a simple combination AgNO3 and K2S2O8 as stable nitro source an oxidant, respectively, was explored. The reaction practical to operate proceeded under considerably mild conditions (reflux in acetonitrile) within acceptable time (6 h). para-substituted gave only ortho-nitrated products moderate good yields (30–63% yields). ortho-, meta-, or non-substituted mixture nitrated (30–72% combined yields) with preferentially at the para- over ortho-position (ortho:para; 1.0:1.1–1.0:2.8).