Asked in FBISE Chemistry 2023 — Paper 1 2023Moderate

Nitration of phenol takes place at ---------- than benzene.

Correct answer: B. Faster rate

  • A. Slower rate
  • B. Faster rate
  • C. Equal rate
  • D. Moderate rate

Explanation

Nitration of phenol occurs at a faster rate than benzene due to the presence of the hydroxyl (-OH) group in phenol. This -OH group is an ortho/para-directing group, which enhances the electrophilic substitution reaction at the ortho and para positions on the phenol ring. As a result, nitration of phenol proceeds more rapidly than benzene, which lacks such activating and directing groups.

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About Phenols

Phenols contain a hydroxyl group directly bonded to an aromatic ring, making them more acidic than alcohols because the phenoxide ion is resonance-stabilised. Reactions include ionisation with bases, electrophilic substitution, bromination, nitration and oxidation, with attention to the difference between phenols and aliphatic alcohols.

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