Question
Chemistry Question on Alcohols, Phenols and Ethers
Phenol when it first reacts with concentrated sulphuric acid and then with concentrated nitric acid gives
A
nitrobenzene
B
2, 4, 6-trinitrophenol
C
o-nitrophenol
D
p-nitrophenol
Answer
o-nitrophenol
Explanation
Solution
The -OH group attached to the benzene ring in phenol has the effect of making the ring much more reactive than it would otherwise be. It also reacts with dilute nitric acid, whereas benzene itself needs a nitrating mixture of concentrated nitric acid and concentrated sulfuric acid.