Question

What function does nitric acid do in the reaction of benzene with $I _{2}$ to produce iodobenzene?

• A. $HNO _{3}$ converts $I _{2}$ to $HI$
• B. It acts as a catalyst
• C. $HNO _{3}$ converts $I$ to $I _{2}$
• D. It oxidizes $I_{2}$ to $I^{+}$

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

$HNO _{3}$ oxidises the by-product $HI$ (i.e. $\left.I^-\right)$ to $I _{2}$, otherwise it reduces the product iodobenzene back to benzene.