The nitration of benzene uses a nitrating mixture of concentrated nitric acid and concentrated sulfuric acid - AQA - A-Level Chemistry - Question 23 - 2018 - Paper 3
Question 23
The nitration of benzene uses a nitrating mixture of concentrated nitric acid and concentrated sulfuric acid.
$$\text{HNO}_3 + 2\text{H}_2\text{SO}_4 \rightarrow \t... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:The nitration of benzene uses a nitrating mixture of concentrated nitric acid and concentrated sulfuric acid - AQA - A-Level Chemistry - Question 23 - 2018 - Paper 3
Step 1
A HNO₃ acts as a base.
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Answer
This statement is incorrect. HNO₃ does not act as a base in this reaction.
Step 2
B HNO₃ acts as a catalyst.
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Answer
This statement is also incorrect because HNO₃ is not functioning as a catalyst in the nitration process.
Step 3
C HNO₃ acts as an electrophile.
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Answer
This statement is correct. In the nitration process, the nitronium ion (NO₂⁺) generated from HNO₃ acts as the electrophile that attacks the benzene.
Step 4
D HNO₃ acts as a reducing agent.
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Answer
This statement is incorrect. HNO₃ does not function as a reducing agent in this reaction.
