Numerous attempts to isomerize nitrite esters into nitro alkanes in the vapor phase over asbestos catalyst or in the liquid phase over metal nitrite catalysts in the dark or in sunlight were completely unsuccessful. However, nitrate esters were converted into nitro alkanes by reaction with metal nitrites in suitable solvents in optimum conversions, based on nitrate ester of about 40010, and in optimum yields, based on the starting alcohol of about 90%. ...
