In the nitration of benzene using a mixture of conc. H 2 SO 4 and conc. HNO 3 , the species which initiates the reaction is __________.

Question

Philoid · Accepted Answer

at first, this step takes place because there is a requirement for stronger electrophile and for that nitric acid has to be activated for nitration of benzene.

• Sulphuric activates nitric acid and produces a strong electrophile nitronium ion NO₂⁺, its electrophilicity tends to attack the benzene ring and electrophillic substitution takes place by producing nitrobenzene.

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The other 3 species (i) NO₂(ii) NO⁺ and (iv) NO₂^– cannot be formed during the activation of nitric acid.

In the nitration of benzene using a mixture of conc. H2SO4 and conc. HNO3, the species which initiates the reaction is __________.

In the nitration of benzene using a mixture of conc. H₂SO₄ and conc. HNO₃, the species which initiates the reaction is __________.