The rate determining step for the preparation of nitrobenzene from benzen is

Options

A. Removal of `overset(+)(N)O_(2)`
B. Removal of `overset(+)(N)O_(3)`
C. Formation of `overset(+)(N)O_(2)`
D. Formation of `overset(+)(N)O_(3)`

Answer

C

Explanation

Nitration is the most suitable direct method for introducing nitro group `(-NO_(2))` into an aromatic nucleus Nitration a two step electrophilic substitution reaction in which nitronium ion `NO_(2)^(+)` is the attacking electrophile on aromatic nucleus. The nitration of benzene to get nitrobenzene takes place as
(i) `HO- NO_(2) + 2H_(2)SO_(4) hArr H_(3)O^(+) + 2HSO_(4)^(-) + underset(("Nitronium ion"))(NO_(2)^(+))`

Slowest step involves the formation of benzene carbocation (phenonium or benzonium ion) intermediate and this is the rate determining step. This reaction takes place at temperature below `60^(@)C`