What is the name of electrophile when benzene goes nitration

Options

A. Nitrosonium ion
B. Nitronium ion
C. Halonium ion
D. Alkyl carbocation

Answer

To determine the name of the electrophile formed when benzene undergoes nitration, we can follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Identify the Reactants**:
The nitration of benzene involves the reactants nitric acid (HNO3) and sulfuric acid (H2SO4).

2. **Understand the Reaction Conditions**:
The presence of sulfuric acid is crucial because it acts as a catalyst and helps generate the electrophile needed for the reaction.

3. **Formation of the Electrophile**:
In the reaction, nitric acid reacts with sulfuric acid to produce the nitronium ion (NO2+). This is the active electrophile that will attack the benzene ring.

4. **Identify the Electrophile**:
The electrophile formed during the nitration of benzene is specifically known as the nitronium ion (NO2+).

5. **Product Formation**:
The nitronium ion then attacks the benzene ring, resulting in the formation of nitrobenzene as the product.

### Final Answer:
The name of the electrophile formed when benzene undergoes nitration is **nitronium ion (NO2+)**.

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