[zeoblade]

I2 + HNO3 --> I+

Where can you find the mechanism to oxidise I2 to I+ with HNO3?

[Schrödinger]

I know that HNO3 oxidizes I^- to I₂ and I₂ to I⁵⁺.. But I've never heard of this one. Does this reaction actually happen or is it a theoretical question?

Well, if the reaction really does occur, please forgive me for my ignorance.

[zeoblade]

It says in a textbook that if you want to electrophilically substitute benzene with I, it has to be an electrophile.

To be an electrophile I₂ should be I⁺ so maybe I⁵⁺ is the electrophile.

The textbook says that I₂ with an oxidant such as HNO₃ can make I⁺

I'll go look in Vogel after the weekend, appreciate your direction

[Honclbrif]

I believe ICl can act as a source of I⁺. Don't know if it will modify benzene though. I'd recommend a Sandmeyer with KI for that.

[nox]

I think "I⁺" is really an idealized formalism to indicate an electrophilic iodine species. I do not believe an actual I⁺ species exist, it probably exists as some sort of charged complex, much in the same vein H⁺.