What is the Difference Between Nitrobenzene and Aniline?

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Nitrobenzene and aniline are both aromatic organic compounds, but they have distinct differences in their structure and properties. The main difference between the two is the substituent group attached to the benzene ring:

  • Nitrobenzene: This compound has a nitro group (-NO2) attached to the benzene ring. It is an organic compound with the chemical formula C6H5NO2. Nitrobenzene is a pale yellow to dark brown liquid and is used in the production of aniline.
  • Aniline: This compound has an amino group (-NH2) attached to the benzene ring. It is an aromatic organic compound with the chemical formula C6H5NH2. Aniline is an oily liquid that can be colorless to brown and is useful as a precursor to urethane rubber chemicals, pesticides, dyes, explosives, and pharmaceuticals.

In addition to the structural differences, nitrobenzene and aniline have different chemical properties. For example, aniline, being a primary aromatic amine, gives carbylamine and azo dye tests, while nitrobenzene does not. On the other hand, nitrobenzene gives the Barker-Mulliken test, which is not given by aniline.

Comparative Table: Nitrobenzene vs Aniline

Here is a table comparing the differences between nitrobenzene and aniline:

Property Nitrobenzene Aniline
Chemical Formula C6H5NO2 C6H5NH2
Substituent Nitro group (-NO2) Amine group (-NH2)
Color Pale yellow to dark brown liquid Colorless to brown oily liquid
Odor Almond-like -
Reactivity Nitro group is a strong electron-withdrawing group, making it less basic than aniline Aniline is more basic than nitrobenzene
Uses Primarily used as a precursor for aniline production Useful as a precursor to urethane rubber chemicals, pesticides, dyes, explosives, and pharmaceuticals

The key difference between nitrobenzene and aniline is the substituent attached to the benzene ring. Nitrobenzene has a nitro group (-NO2), while aniline has an amine group (-NH2).