Kinetic Modelling of Nitration of Glycerol: Three Controlling Reactions Model

In the present study, a kinetic model of nitration between glycerol and nitric acid was developed. The presented model describes three controlling reactions model used elementary reactions consisting of three reversible reactions. The model utilizes first order reaction according to each reactant. The nitration of glycerol was modelled by fitting the kinetic model with 6 parameters, the rate constant at an average temperature and the activation energy. The reaction rate is assumed to be governed by three reactions, i.e. the formation of MNG (mononitroglycerin), the formation of DNG (dinitroglycerin) and the formation of TNG (nitroglycerin). The aim of this work is compare two models: seven controlling reactions model and three controlling reactions model. Two models have the similar trend. The three controlling reactions model gives better fit than seven controlling reactions model. The accuracy of three controlling reactions model is higher. The advantage of the seven controlling reactions model is this model can predict all products of nitration. So this model can be used at preliminary design plant. Three controlling reactions model can be used at next step, as design of reactor.