Nitrobenzene can be prepared from benzene by using a mixture of conc. `HNO_3` and conc. In the nitrating mixture, `HNO_3` acts as a/an

Options

A. base
B. acid
C. reducing agent
D. catalyst

Answer

A

Explanation

`HNO_(3)` acts as a base as it provides p-nitrophenol.
`HNO_(3) Leftrightarrow H^(+)+HSO_(4)`
`O_(2)N-OH+H^(+) to NO_(2)^(+)+H_(2)O`