What reagents are used to nitrate benzene?

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Multiple Choice

What reagents are used to nitrate benzene?

Nitration of benzene occurs by electrophilic aromatic substitution, with the active electrophile being the nitronium ion (NO2+). This ion is generated in situ when concentrated nitric acid is brought into contact with concentrated sulfuric acid: HNO3 + H2SO4 → NO2+ + HSO4− + H2O. The strong acidic environment and dehydration by sulfuric acid produce NO2+, which then attacks the benzene ring to give nitrobenzene after deprotonation. Without both components, the nitronium ion isn’t formed effectively. Concentrated sulfuric acid alone (or with water) won’t provide NO2+ in the right conditions. Other options don’t supply the nitronium electrophile or instead lead to different chemistry (oxidation, hydration, or sulfonation rather than nitration).

Nitration of benzene occurs by electrophilic aromatic substitution, with the active electrophile being the nitronium ion (NO2+). This ion is generated in situ when concentrated nitric acid is brought into contact with concentrated sulfuric acid: HNO3 + H2SO4 → NO2+ + HSO4− + H2O. The strong acidic environment and dehydration by sulfuric acid produce NO2+, which then attacks the benzene ring to give nitrobenzene after deprotonation.

Without both components, the nitronium ion isn’t formed effectively. Concentrated sulfuric acid alone (or with water) won’t provide NO2+ in the right conditions. Other options don’t supply the nitronium electrophile or instead lead to different chemistry (oxidation, hydration, or sulfonation rather than nitration).

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