Nitrobenzene is prepared by treating benzene with a mixture of con. \(\mathrm{HNO}_{3}\) and con. \(\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{SO}_{4}\) (nitrating mixture). In the nitrating mixture, \(\mathrm{HNO}_{3}\) acts as a/an (a) base (b) acid (c) catalyst (d) oxidizing agent

Short Answer

Expert verified
Answer: (b) Acid

Step by step solution

01

Understand the concept of each option

In order to choose the correct answer, it's important to understand the definitions of the terms and their roles in chemical reactions. (a) Base: A substance that can accept protons (H+ ions) during a reaction (b) Acid: A substance that can donate protons during a reaction (c) Catalyst: A substance that speeds up the rate of a reaction without being consumed in the reaction (d) Oxidizing agent: A substance that can accept electrons from another reactant in the reaction, getting reduced in the process
02

Write the balanced chemical equation

The chemical reaction involving benzene, nitric acid, and sulfuric acid to form nitrobenzene can be represented as follows: C6H6 + HNO3 -> C6H5NO2 + H2O Here, benzene (C6H6) reacts with nitric acid (HNO3) to form nitrobenzene (C6H5NO2) and water (H2O).
03

Identify the role of HNO3 in the reaction

In this reaction, nitric acid (HNO3) acts as an acid and donates a proton (H+) to form the NO2+ ion: HNO3 -> NO2+ + H+ The NO2+ ion then reacts with benzene (C6H6) to form nitrobenzene (C6H5NO2). Consequently, sulfuric acid (H2SO4) acts as a catalyst in this reaction, promoting the protonation of nitric acid, but not being consumed in the overall reaction.
04

Choose the appropriate answer

Based on the reaction mechanism and the role of HNO3 in the reaction, the correct answer is: (b) acid

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