EAS Nitration: Making Nitrobenzene (Mechanism + Rate/Directing Notes)

Learn electrophilic aromatic substitution nitration: nitronium ion generation, sigma complex, deprotonation, and how substituents affect rate/directing.

  • Reaction: Arene → nitroarene
  • What it does: Installs NO2 via EAS
  • Typical reagents: HNO3 + H2SO4 (mixed acid)
  • Key intermediate: Nitronium ion (NO2+) and sigma complex
  • Driving force: Restore aromaticity by deprotonation
  • Exam type: Predict regio
  • Exam type: Mechanism steps

Related Resources

All 194 Mechanisms — Aromatic & Organometallic (Advanced Orgo II) Mechanism Flashcards AI Reaction Predictor Ask the AI Tutor