Question

Consider the following chemical reaction and identify the final product(s)

The final product(s) of the above reaction is

• A.

  

• B.

  

• C.

  

• D.

  

Hint:

Dilute HNO\(_3\) at low temperature gives mono nitration. The OH group directs the nitro group to the ortho and para positions.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understand the reaction.
Phenol is treated with dilute nitric acid. This is an electrophilic aromatic substitution, called nitration.
The strength of the acid decides how many nitro groups enter. Dilute acid at room temperature gives only one nitro group. Concentrated acid gives three.

Step 2: Use the directing effect of OH.
The OH group donates electron density into the ring by resonance. This makes the ortho and para positions rich in electrons.
So the nitro group enters the ortho and para positions. The meta position is not favoured.

Step 3: Write the products.
The two products are 2-nitrophenol (ortho) and 4-nitrophenol (para). They form as a mixture.
The ortho isomer is steam volatile because of intramolecular hydrogen bonding. The para isomer is not, and this is how the two are separated.

Step 4: Check option (1).
This shows only 3-nitrophenol (meta). The OH group does not direct to the meta position, so option (1) is wrong.

Step 5: Check option (2).
This is 2,4,6-trinitrophenol (picric acid). It forms with concentrated nitric acid, not with dilute acid. So option (2) is wrong.

Step 6: Check option (3).
This shows 2-nitrophenol and 4-nitrophenol together. It matches the expected mono nitration at the ortho and para positions. So option (3) is correct.

Step 7: Check option (4).
This shows 2-nitrophenol and 3-nitrophenol. The meta isomer should not form, so option (4) is wrong.

Final Answer:
Dilute HNO\(_3\) gives a mixture of o-nitrophenol and p-nitrophenol, which is option (3). \[ \boxed{\text{Option (3)}} \]