Question detail
What is the main mechanism of nitration of benzene?
Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.
At a glance
MCQ
Type
practice
Style
Topic
Aromatic chemistry (A-level only)
Question
- A. Electrophilic substitution
- B. Nucleophilic substitution
- C. Addition reaction
- D. Elimination reaction
Answer
Electrophilic substitution
Explanation
The nitration of benzene is an electrophilic substitution reaction where the electrophile (nitronium ion, NO2+) attacks the electron-rich benzene ring, substituting a hydrogen atom.
Common mistake
Nitration Reaction Misunderstanding
Students often confuse the nitration of benzene with a simple addition reaction, thinking that the nitro group is added directly to the benzene ring.
Remember that nitration is an electrophilic substitution reaction. The formula for the reaction is C6H6 + HNO3 → C6H5NO2 + H2O. Substitute the reactants into the equation to show that the benzene ring retains its structure while substituting a hydrogen atom for a nitro group.
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