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Omar N.

What is the role of sulphuric acid in nitration of benzene?

Chris Harrington  Follow

The source of the nitronium ion is through the protonation of nitric acid by sulfuric acid, which causes the loss of a water molecule and formation of a nitronium ion.

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Chris Robinson  Follow

Nitration of Benzene is an example of ELECTROPHILIC AROMATIC SUBSTITUTION. It can take place in the presence of nitrating mixture ( HNO3 + H2SO4) .

Sulphuric acid has an important role to play in this reaction ,as it protonates nitric acid which leads to loss of water molecule and results in formation of NITRONIUM ION ( the ELECTROPHILE) .

This NITRONIUM ION further attacks the benzene ring and hence undergoes nitration.

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