Question

In the nitration of benzene using a mixture of conc. $H_{2}S{O}_4$ and conc. $HN{O}_3$, the species which initiates the reaction is _________.

• A. $N{O}_2$
• B. $N{O}_2^{-}$
• C. $N{O}_2^{+}$
• D. $N{O}^{+}$

Answer 1

The correct option is C $N{O}_2^{+}$

Nitration of benzene
Nitration of benzene involves three steps as follows


Step 1:
Mechanism of generation of electrophile


Step 2:
Formation of arenium ion


Step 3:
Deprotonation of arenium ion


So, $N{O}_2^{+}$ initiates the nitration of benzene. Hence, the correct answer is option $\left(C\right)$.