Nitrobenzene can be prepared from benzene by using a mixture of cone. `HNO_3` and cone. `H_2SO_4` In the mixture, nitric acid acts as a/an

Options

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

Answer

C

Explanation

In the preparation of nitrobenzene from benzene by a using mixture of conc. `H_(2)SO_(4)` and conc. `HNO_(3)`, the nitric acid acts as a base of proton acceptor.
`HO-NO_(2)+H_(2)SO_(4) overset("Fast")hArr`
`HSO_(4)^(-)+H_(2)O^(+)-NO_(2) overset("Slow") hArr`
`NO_(2)^(+)+H_(2)O overset(H_(2)SO_(4)) hArr`
`H_(2)O^(+)+HSO_(4)^(-)`