In the nitration of benzene, which reagent is used to generate the electrophile?
Practice Questions
1 question
Q1
In the nitration of benzene, which reagent is used to generate the electrophile?
HNO3
H2SO4
NO2+
HCl
The electrophile in the nitration of benzene is the nitronium ion (NO2+), generated from the reaction of nitric acid (HNO3) and sulfuric acid (H2SO4).
Questions & Step-by-step Solutions
1 item
Q
Q: In the nitration of benzene, which reagent is used to generate the electrophile?
Solution: The electrophile in the nitration of benzene is the nitronium ion (NO2+), generated from the reaction of nitric acid (HNO3) and sulfuric acid (H2SO4).
Steps: 4
Step 1: Understand that nitration of benzene involves adding a nitro group (NO2) to the benzene ring.
Step 2: Identify the two acids used in this reaction: nitric acid (HNO3) and sulfuric acid (H2SO4).
Step 3: Recognize that these acids react together to produce the nitronium ion (NO2+), which is the electrophile needed for the reaction.
Step 4: Remember that the nitronium ion (NO2+) is a positively charged species that will attack the benzene ring.
