Which reagent is commonly used in the nitration of benzene?
Practice Questions
Q1
Which reagent is commonly used in the nitration of benzene?
H2SO4
HNO3
HCl
NaOH
Questions & Step-by-Step Solutions
Which reagent is commonly used in the nitration of benzene?
Correct Answer: Concentrated nitric acid (HNO3) and sulfuric acid (H2SO4)
Step 1: Understand that nitration is a chemical reaction that introduces a nitro group (-NO2) into a molecule.
Step 2: Know that benzene is a type of hydrocarbon that can undergo nitration.
Step 3: Identify the reagents needed for the nitration of benzene.
Step 4: Recognize that concentrated nitric acid (HNO3) is one of the main reagents used.
Step 5: Learn that sulfuric acid (H2SO4) is also used in the reaction to help generate the nitronium ion (NO2+), which is the active species that reacts with benzene.
Step 6: Conclude that the mixture of concentrated nitric acid and sulfuric acid is commonly used for the nitration of benzene.