Question

Nitrobenzene on reaction with conc. ${HNO_3/H_2SO_4 }$ at ${80-100^{\circ} C}$ forms which one of the following products ?

• A. 1, 2, 4-Trinitrobenzene
• B. 1, 2-Dinitrobenzene
• C. 1, 3-Dinitrobenzene
• D. 1, 4-Dinitrobenzene

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

1, 3-Dinitrobenzene

Answer 2

$NO_2$ group being electron withdrawing reduces electron density at ortho and para-positions. Hence, now the meta-position becomes electron rich on which the electrophile (nitronium ion) attacks during nitration. $HNO_3 + H_2 SO_4 \, {\longrightarrow} \, _{ _{H_2O + \downarrow N0^+_2 }^{\downarrow}}^{H_2 NO_3^+ } + HSO_4^-$ \hspace42mm _{(nitronium \, ion)}^{Electrophile}