Dear aspirant,

The reaction of phenol with nitric acid is a mono-nitration reaction i.e. Only one hydrogen atom gets replaced per molecule of phenol. The products formed are o-nitrophenol and p-nitrophenol.

The reaction of phenol with concentrated nitric acid in the presence of sulphuric acid, however, is a tri-nitration reaction.the product is 2,4,6-trinitrophenol (commonly called picric acid).

Hey,

Phenol being alcohol readily reacts with concentrated nitric acid.

The reaction of phenol with nitric acid is a rapid reaction that results in the formation of 2,4.6- trinitrophenol. The product  246-trinitrophenol is also know as picric acid.

The strong influence of hydroxyl group leads to this reaction in the concentrated condition.

Hope that helps.

Thank you.