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 ?

Explanation

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Nitration**: Nitration is a type of aromatic electrophilic substitution reaction where a nitro group (NO2) is introduced into an aromatic ring. The reaction typically involves a nitrating mixture of concentrated nitric acid (HNO3) and concentrated sulfuric acid (H2SO4).

2. **Formation of Electrophile**: In the nitration process, concentrated H2SO4 protonates HNO3, leading to the formation of a nitronium ion (NO2+), which acts as the electrophile. The reaction can be summarized as follows:
- HNO3 + H2SO4 → NO2+ + HSO4- + H2O

3. **Comparison of Benzene and Phenol**: The question asks to compare the nitration of benzene and phenol.
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