Written by J.A Dobado | Last Updated on September 15, 2025
What is Nef reaction?
The Nef reaction involves the production of aldehydes and ketones from primary and secondary nitroalkanes, respectively. This is achieved by treating their salts with sulfuric acid, H2SO4. It is important to note that the Nef reaction should not be confused with Nef synthesis.
References
Nef, J.U. (1894), Ueber die Constitution der Salze der Nitroparaffine. [On the constitution of the salts of nitroparaffins.] Justus Liebigs Ann. Chem., 280: 263-291. https://doi.org/10.1002/jlac.18942800209
Full Professor of Organic Chemistry at the University of Granada, with a long-standing research career in Computational Chemistry and molecular modeling and design.