Question

The intermediate formed during the sulphonation reaction of benzene is:

• A.
• B. None of the above
• C.
• D.

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 $HS{O}_3^{+}$.
Thus, the electrophile $HS{O}_3^{+}$ attacks the benzene to form arenium ion as shown :