What is nitration of benzene?

Nitration of benzene is a type of electrophilic aromatic substitution reaction in which a nitro group (–NO₂) replaces a hydrogen atom on the benzene ring.

Here’s a simple explanation without equations:

1. A mixture of concentrated nitric acid and concentrated sulfuric acid is used to generate the reactive species called the nitronium ion, which acts as the electrophile.
2. This nitronium ion attacks the benzene ring, temporarily disrupting its stable electron cloud.
3. A hydrogen atom is then removed from the ring, restoring the aromaticity, and the nitro group is attached to the benzene.

Key points:

• The reaction requires strong acids to generate the reactive species.
• The benzene ring remains aromatic after the reaction.
• The product is called nitrobenzene, which is an important intermediate in making dyes, explosives, and pharmaceuticals.