Question

Assertion (A): Phenol gives 2,4,6-trinitrophenol on treatment with concentrated \( HNO_3 \) and concentrated \( H_2SO_4 \).
Reason (R): –OH group in phenol is \( m \)-directing.

• A. Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true and Reason (R) is the correct explanation of the Assertion (A).
• B. Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, but Reason (R) is \textit{not} the correct explanation of the Assertion (A).
• C. Assertion (A) is true, but Reason (R) is false.
• D. Assertion (A) is false, but Reason (R) is true.

Hint:

Electron-donating groups like –OH are always \( o, p \)-directing in electrophilic aromatic substitution.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: The Assertion is correct. Phenol reacts with concentrated nitric acid in the presence of sulfuric acid to form 2,4,6-trinitrophenol (picric acid).
Step 2: The Reason is incorrect. The –OH group in phenol activates the benzene ring and is an \( o, p \)-directing group due to its +M effect, which increases electron density at the ortho and para positions.
Step 3: Therefore, while the Assertion is true, the Reason is false.