Question

The heating of phenyl methyl ether with HI produces an aromatic compound A which on treatment with con. HNO₃ gives B. A and B respectively are,

• A. Methanol, Ethanoic acid
• B. Picric acid, Phenol
• C. Iodobenzene, l-Iodo-4-nitrobenzene
• D. Phenol, Picric acid

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

The reaction described involves the heating of phenyl methyl ether with HI (hydroiodic acid). Let's break down the reaction and the products formed:

Step 1: Heating Phenyl Methyl Ether with HI

Phenyl methyl ether \((C_6H_5OCH_3)\) reacts with HI (hydroiodic acid) in a nucleophilic substitution reaction. The methyl group (–CH₃) is replaced by an iodine atom, producing phenol (C₆H₅OH) and methanol (CH₃OH) as the products. The aromatic compound A formed in this step is phenol.

Step 2: Treatment with Concentrated HNO₃

When phenol is treated with concentrated HNO₃ (nitric acid), it undergoes nitration. This results in the formation of picric acid (2,4,6-trinitrophenol), a highly nitrated aromatic compound. The product B formed here is picric acid.

Conclusion:

The products A and B are:

• A = Phenol
• B = Picric acid

The correct answer is Option B: Phenol, Picric acid.