It is now produced using a vanadium(2) oxide catalyst in the contact process.
The protonation of nitric acid by this compound creates greater-than-normal amounts of nitronium ions, which are used to nitrate benzene in a textbook electrophilic aromatic substitution reaction. The dehydrating property of this substance is often demonstrated by pouring it over sucrose. The production of this compound was revolutionized by the use of lead-lined chambers. It is now produced using a vanadium(2) oxide catalyst in the contact process. For 10 points, name this compound with chemical formula H2SO4, a strong acid found in car batteries.
The protonation of nitric acid by this compound creates greater-than-normal amounts of nitronium ions, which are used to nitrate benzene in a textbook electrophilic aromatic substitution reaction.
sulfuric acid [or H2SO4 before mentioned; do not accept “sulfurous acid”]