Moderate

When phenol is heated with concentrated nitric acid the product is________________?

Correct answer: A. Picric acid

  • A. Picric acid
  • B. o-nitrophenol
  • C. 1 3 5 -trinitro benzene
  • D. p-nitrophenol

Explanation

Concentrated nitric acid introduces three nitro groups into phenol, producing 2,4,6-trinitrophenol, commonly called picric acid. Students may choose 1,3,5-trinitrobenzene because they focus on three nitro substitutions but overlook that the hydroxyl group remains attached to the ring.

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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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535 free Alcohols and Phenols MCQs from Chemistry, each with the correct answer and an explanation. Unlimited attempts, no account needed.

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