Role of HNO3 in nitration of benzene

[desmond iking]

Homework Statement

in this case, the HNO3 can be dissociated into NO2+ and OH- ion. what makes it a proton donor. p/s : the ans is HNO3 is a proton donor for this question.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

since the HNO3 can be dissociated into NO2+ and OH- ion, why it 's called as proton donor (acid), i would called it as alkaline... can someone explain on this plaese?

 

[Saitama]

Homework Statement

in this case, the HNO3 can be dissociated into NO2+ and OH- ion. what makes it a proton donor. p/s : the ans is HNO3 is a proton donor for this question.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

since the HNO3 can be dissociated into NO2+ and OH- ion, why it 's called as proton donor (acid), i would called it as alkaline... can someone explain on this plaese?

I do not see how ##HNO_3## could act as a proton donor when clearly a stronger acid is present.

 

[Borek]

You got the nitric acid dissociation into NO₂⁺ wrong - OH^- is not between products.

Hint: actually it is not HNO₃ that dissociates into NO₂⁺.

 

[Teemo]

Psst... hydroxide does not function well as a leaving group. So, why do you need the sulfuric acid for? Could it help create a good leaving group?

 

[DeeNos]

HNO3, or nitric acid, is considered a proton donor because it can easily donate a proton (H+) to another molecule or compound. In the nitration of benzene, the HNO3 acts as an acid catalyst, meaning it donates a proton to the benzene ring, making it more reactive towards the electrophilic substitution reaction. The dissociation of HNO3 into NO2+ and OH- ions allows for the formation of a strong electrophile (NO2+) which can easily attack the benzene ring and initiate the nitration reaction. Therefore, in this context, HNO3 is considered a proton donor and an acid.