Nitration of aromatic compounds is an indispensible reaction for organic chemists. Various metal nitrates are being used now-a-days as an eco-friendly nitrating agent instead of harsh strong acids, namely, nitric and sulfuric acids. A mixture of calcium nitrate and acetic acid, as well as a mixture of magnesium nitrate and alumina sulfuric acid, are reported to be used as nitrating agent. Inferring from these ideas, a mixture of magnesium nitrate and acetic acid (glacial or about 80% aqueous) is introduced for the first time as a fairly efficient nitrating agent for phenolic compounds successfully.

Over the last decade the researchers have growing interest towards supramolecular gels not only to know about self assembly process but also for their potential applications in diversified areas. Since gels are sensitive towards several external stimuli like heat, light, pH of medium etc., incorporation of suitable functional groups to these gelators make them fruitful for the use in different fields. In this manuscript, supramolecular gels, their characterization processes such as optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, rheology, dynamic light scattering, X-ray diffraction and FTIR studies have been discussed. Their applications in various field of science and technology such as sensors, template of metal nano particle assembling, drug delivery, dye removal and oil spill recovery have also been discussed.