Electrophilic substitution is a chemical reaction where an electrophile replaces a hydrogen atom in an aromatic compound, such as benzene. This process is important in organic chemistry because it allows for the introduction of new functional groups into aromatic rings, enhancing their reactivity and properties. In this reaction, the aromatic compound donates electrons to the electrophile, forming a temporary positively charged intermediate. This intermediate then loses a proton, restoring the aromaticity of the compound. Common examples of electrophilic substitution include nitration, where a nitro group is added, and sulfonation, where a sulfonyl group is introduced.