Compound 'P' on nitration with dil. HNO3 yields two isomers (A) and (B). These isomers can be separated by steam distillation. Isomers (A) and (B) show the intramolecular and intermolecular hydrogen bonding respectively. Compound (P) on reaction with conc. HNO3 yields a yellow compound 'C', a strong acid. The number of oxygen atoms is present in compound 'C' ______.
Answer: 7
Solution
Compound P is phenol. Dilute HNO3 gives o-nitrophenol (A, intramolecular H-bonding, steam volatile) and p-nitrophenol (B, intermolecular H-bonding). Concentrated HNO3 converts phenol to 2,4,6-trinitrophenol (picric acid, compound C), which is yellow and strongly acidic. Picric acid has the formula C6H2(NO2)3OH. Counting oxygen atoms: 3 nitro groups contribute 3×2=6 oxygens, plus 1 from the OH group = 7 oxygen atoms total.
JEE Main · 2022 · 26 Jun 2022 · Shift 1 · Integer answer