Provided is a process for the formation of nitrated compounds by the nitration of hydrocarbon compounds with dilute nitric acid. Also provided are processes for preparing industrially useful downstream derivatives of the nitrated compounds, as well as novel nitrated compounds and derivatives, and methods of using the derivatives in various applications.

Provided is a process for the formation of nitrated compounds by the nitration of hydrocarbon compounds with dilute nitric acid. Also provided are processes for preparing industrially useful downstream derivatives of the nitrated compounds, as well as novel nitrated compounds and derivatives, and methods of using the derivatives in various applications.