Explanation

The substitution of a hydrogen atom (−H) by a nitro group (−NO2) on a benzene ring is called nitration.

Nitration is typically carried out using concentrated nitric acid (HNO3) and sulfuric acid (H2SO4).

The sulfuric acid acts as a catalyst and generates the nitronium ion (NO2+), the electrophile that reacts with the benzene ring.

The overall reaction can be represented as:

C6H6 + HNO 3 → C 6H5NO2 +H2O

Here, benzene (C6H6) is converted to nitrobenzene (C6H5NO2).

This is a key reaction in organic chemistry, especially in the synthesis of various aromatic compounds.