Reaction of phenol with dil. `HNO_(3)` gives

Options

A. p- and m- nitro phenol
B. o- and p- nitro phenol
C. picric acid
D. o- and m- nitro phenol

Answer

To solve the question regarding the reaction of phenol with dilute HNO3, we can follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Identify the Reactants**:
The reactants in this reaction are phenol (C6H5OH) and dilute nitric acid (HNO3).

2. **Understand the Reaction Type**:
The reaction of phenol with dilute HNO3 is an electrophilic substitution reaction. In this case, the nitro group (NO2) from nitric acid acts as the electrophile.

3. **Consider the Reaction Conditions**:
The reaction is typically carried out at room temperature (around 298 K). This temperature is crucial as it influences the product distribution.

4. **Predict the Products**:
When phenol reacts with dilute HNO3, it primarily leads to the formation of mononitrophenols. The products are:
- Ortho-nitrophenol (2-nitrophenol)
- Para-nitrophenol (4-nitrophenol)

5. **Explain the Product Formation**:
The ortho and para positions are favored due to the stabilization of the transition state. The ortho position benefits from intramolecular hydrogen bonding, while the para position benefits from intermolecular interactions.

6. **Write the Reaction**:
The overall reaction can be summarized as:
\[ \text{C}_6\text{H}_5\text{OH} + \text{HNO}_3 \xrightarrow{\text{dilute}} \text{ortho-nitrophenol} + \text{para-nitrophenol} \]

7. **Conclusion**:
Therefore, the reaction of phenol with dilute HNO3 gives a mixture of ortho-nitrophenol and para-nitrophenol.

### Final Answer:
The reaction of phenol with dilute HNO3 gives ortho-nitrophenol and para-nitrophenol.

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