Question
Question: When phenol reacts with dilute nitric acid at room temperature, the major product obtained is...
When phenol reacts with dilute nitric acid at room temperature, the major product obtained is
A
p-nitrophenol
B
o-nitrophenol
C
2, 4, 6-trinitrophenol
D
m-nitrophenol
Answer
p-nitrophenol and o-nitrophenol
Explanation
Solution
When phenol is treated with dilute HNO₃ at room temperature, the –OH group activates the aromatic ring towards electrophilic substitution, directing the nitro group to the ortho and para positions. Under these conditions, both o‑nitrophenol and p‑nitrophenol are formed predominantly.