Which of following is a phenolic compound ?

Options

A. Phthalic acid
B. Phosphoric acid
C. Picric acid
D. Phenylacetic acid

Answer

To determine which of the following is a phenolic compound, we need to understand what defines a phenolic compound. A phenolic compound is characterized by the presence of a hydroxyl group (-OH) attached to a benzene ring.

Let's analyze the given options step-by-step:

1. **Phthalic Acid (C8H6O4)**:
- Structure: Phthalic acid consists of a benzene ring with two carboxylic acid groups (-COOH) attached to it.
- Analysis: Phthalic acid does not have a hydroxyl group (-OH) attached to the benzene ring. Therefore, it is not a phenolic compound.

2. **Picric Acid (C6H3N3O7)**:
- Structure: Picric acid has a benzene ring with three nitro groups (-NO2) and one hydroxyl group (-OH) attached to it.
- Analysis: Since it contains a hydroxyl group attached to the benzene ring, picric acid is indeed a phenolic compound.

3. **Phenyl Acetic Acid (C8H8O2)**:
- Structure: Phenyl acetic acid consists of a phenyl group (benzene ring) attached to an acetic acid group (-COOH).
- Analysis: While it contains a benzene ring, it does not have a hydroxyl group (-OH) attached directly to the benzene. Therefore, it is not classified as a phenolic compound.

Based on the analysis above, the only compound that qualifies as a phenolic compound is **Picric Acid**.

### Final Answer:
**Picric Acid is a phenolic compound.**