NEETChemistryAlcohols Phenols and Ethers
Nitration is an example of aromatic electrophilic substitution and its rate depends upon the group already present in the benzene ring. Out of benzene and phenol, which one is more easily nitrated and why?
Options
- ABenzene is more easily nitrated because it lacks any substituent groups that could hinder the reaction.
- BPhenol is less easily nitrated because the hydroxyl (-OH) group in phenol activates the benzene ring, making i
- CBenzene is more easily nitrated because the hydroxyl (-OH) group in phenol deactivates the benzene ring, reduc
- DPhenol is more easily nitrated than benzene as the presence of OH group in phenol increases the electron densi
Correct answer
D. Phenol is more easily nitrated than benzene as the presence of OH group in phenol increases the electron densi
Step-by-step solution
Correct Option is : (D) Phenol is more easily nitrated than benzene as the presence of OH group in phenol increases the electron density at ortho and para positions in the benzene ring by +R effect. The nitration, being an electrophilic substitution reaction, is more facile where the electron density is more.