Question

Electrophiles for the electrophilic aromatic substitution reactions have to be very strong to react with the stable aromatic rings. A nitronium ion is needed for nitration of aromatic rings. Complete the mechanism of the formation of the nitronium ion from concentrated nitric acid in concentrated sulfuric acid.

Answer 1

Answer: The nitronium ion is a strong electrophile

Explanation:

The detailed mechanism of the reaction is shown in the images attached. The flow of electrons has been shown with arrows. HNO3 is first protonated by H2SO4 this protonated specie H2NO3+ now forms H2O and NO2+.