Sulfonation, unlike most other electrophilic aromatic substitution reactions, is reversible. Benzenesulfonic acid (structure in Eq. 16.12, p. 755) can be converted into benzene and H2SO4 with hot water (steam). Write a curved-arrow mechanism for this reaction.
Eq. 16.12

Transcribed Image Text:

SO3H sulfur trioxide benzene benzenesulfonic acid (52% yield)