Final answer:
To prepare nitrobenzene from benzene, nitric acid (HNO3) and sulfuric acid (H2SO4) are required. Sulfuric acid acts as a catalyst, aiding in the formation of the nitronium ion, which is essential for the nitration process, a type of electrophilic aromatic substitution.
Step-by-step explanation:
To prepare nitrobenzene (C6H5NO2) from benzene (C6H6), the two strong mineral acids required are: nitric acid (HNO3) and sulfuric acid (H2SO4).
The process of introducing a nitro group (-NO2) into the benzene ring is known as nitration.
Nitration of benzene is achieved by a reaction with nitric acid, which is a source of the nitro group, in the presence of sulfuric acid.
The role of sulfuric acid is to act as a catalyst and to produce the nitronium ion (NO2+) which is the actual nitrating agent.
This specific reaction is part of a broader class of reactions called electrophilic aromatic substitution.
The use of non-aqueous solvents allows the study of such strong acids that may otherwise undergo leveling in an aqueous solution.