Consider the nitration of benzene using mixed conc. H2SO4 and HNO3. If a large amount of KHSO4 is added to the mixture, the rate of nitration will be
- unchanged
- doubled
- faster
- slower
Answer
(4) slower
Solution
Electrophile formation in nitration:
HNO3 + 2H2SO4 NO2+ + H3O+ + 2HSO4-
∵ KHSO4 supplies a large amount of the common ion HSO4- ⇒ equilibrium shifts backward (Le Chatelier's principle).
⇒ Concentration of the nitronium ion NO2+ decreases.
∴ The rate of nitration becomes slower.
Answer: (4)