Nitrating agents are chemical substances that introduce a nitro group (-NO2) into organic compounds. This process, known as nitration, is commonly used in the production of explosives, dyes, and pharmaceuticals. Common nitrating agents include a mixture of concentrated sulfuric acid and nitric acid, which can effectively nitrate aromatic compounds. The nitration process typically involves the electrophilic substitution mechanism, where the nitronium ion (NO2+) acts as the electrophile. This reaction can lead to the formation of various nitro compounds, which have distinct properties and applications in different fields, including materials science and organic synthesis.