Question

The intermediate formed during the sulphonation reaction of benzene is:

• A.
• B.
• C.
• D. None of the above

Answer 1

The correct option is C

Sulphonation of benzene is an aromatic electrophilic reaction. It occurs by the replacement of H-atom by sulphonic acid group in the benzene ring.
In the sulphonation of benzene, the electrophilic species is $S{O}_3$.
Thus, benzene will attack the electrophile $S{O}_3$ to form arenium ion as shown :