Out of phenol and benzene, which can be more easily nitrated ?

Explanation

Phenol can be more easily nitrated than benzene. This is because, -OH group is electron releasing group and it increases electron density on the benzene ring, particularly at the ortho and para positions. Since nitration involves attack of nitronium `(NO_(2)^(+))` ion, its attack on phenol will be easier than on benzene where no electron releasing group is present