Nitration of Benzene NO2 HNO3 H2S04 H2O Sulfuric acid acts as a catalyst,allowing the reaction to be faster and at lower temperatures. HNO3 and H2SO4 react together to form the electrophile of the reaction:nitronium ion(NO2). Chapter 17 10 Chapter 17 10 Nitration of Benzene ▪ Sulfuric acid acts as a catalyst, allowing the reaction to be faster and at lower temperatures. ▪ HNO3 and H2SO4 react together to form the electrophile of the reaction: nitronium ion (NO2 + ). HNO3 H2 SO4 NO2 + H2 O