The presence of the hydroxyl group in phenol causes it to be more nitrated. The ortho- and para-positions in the benzene ring become electron-rich due to the resonance effect induced by the –OH group, activating it towards electrophilic substitution process. As a result, nitration, an aromatic electrophilic substitution, occurs at a high electron density location.
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?
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?
