Electrophilic aromatic substitution. Part 21. Rate constants for formation of nitronium ion in aqueous sulphuric, perchloric, and methanesulphonic acids

Abstract

Studies of the kinetics of nitration of anisole in 66–80% H₂SO₄, 64–70% HClO₄, and 88–97% CH₃SO₃H, and of toluene in 74–79% H₂SO₄ are reported. Concentrations of the aromatic compound were high enough for the reaction to be less than first-order in them. Rate constants for formation of the nitronium ion are reported, and rate constants for the reverse reaction estimated. It is suggested that the reaction is a one-step process.