Question

Why ${H_2}S{O_4}$ is used in Nitration reaction?

Answer 1

In order to know why ${H_2}S{O_4}$is used in the nitration process, we must first know what a Nitration process is. Nitration reaction is a chemical reaction in which the nitro group is introduced into the organic chemical compound.

Complete answer:
${H_2}S{O_4}$is the chemical formula for the sulphuric acid. Sulphuric acid is a very strong acid. Let us understand about the Nitration process. Nitration reaction is a chemical reaction in which the nitro group is introduced into the organic chemical compound.
In the Nitration process, the strong electrophile used is Nitronium ion. The formation of the Nitronium ion takes place when the nitric acid is protonated using the sulphuric acid. The removal of water molecules takes place during this process.
The first step which takes place in the nitration reaction is the activation of the nitic acid using ${H_2}S{O_4}$, in order to produce a strong electrophile, i.e., the Nitronium ion.
Nitration reaction is mostly used in the production of the nitroaromatic compound such as Nitrobenzene. This reaction is also used in the preparation of the explosives.

Note:
Let us see what are the different uses of the sulphuric acid:
- Sulphuric acid is used for making fertilizers, ammonium sulphate and phosphoric acid.
- Sulphuric acid is used in lead acid batteries and storage batteries.
- Sulphuric acid is also used in the manufacture of steel and iron.
- It is used as a cleaning agent and as a catalyst.
- It is also used in the petroleum refining.