JEE MainChemistryHydrocarbons
Consider the following statements regarding the mechanism of the nitration of benzene: A. In the nitrating mixture, HNO₃ acts as a Bronsted base. B. The generation of the NO₂^+ electrophile involves the heterolytic cleavage of the O-N bond in protonated nitric acid. C. The intermediate arenium ion (sigma complex) formed during the attack of NO₂^+ is aromatic in nature. D. The breaking of the C-H bond to restore aroma
Options
- AB and C only
- BA, B and C only
- CB and D only
- DA and B only
Correct answer
D. A and B only
Step-by-step solution
Statement A is correct: In the nitrating mixture (concentrated HNO₃ and concentrated H₂SO₄ ), H₂SO₄ is a stronger acid and donates a proton to HNO₃ . Thus, HNO₃ accepts a proton and acts as a Bronsted base. Statement B is correct: The protonated nitric acid ( H₂O^+-NO₂ ) undergoes heterolytic cleavage of the O-N bond. The bonding electrons move to the more electronegative oxygen atom, releasing a neutral water molecule and generating the nitronium ion ( NO₂^+ ). Statement C is incorrect: The intermediate arenium io