nitrophenol

[ nahy-truh-fee-nawl, -nol ]

noun

, Chemistry.

1. any compound derived from phenol by the replacement of one or more of its ring hydrogen atoms by the nitro group.
2. any of three water-soluble, crystalline isomers of such a derivative, having the formula C 6 H 5 NO 3 , occurring in yellow ortho-nitrophenol, pale-yellow meta-nitrophenol, and yellowish para-nitrophenol solids, used chiefly as intermediates in organic synthesis and as indicators.

Word History and Origins

Origin of nitrophenol¹

First recorded in 1850–55; nitro- + phenol

Example Sentences

If an alkali is added, however, a highly dissociated salt of para-nitrophenol is formed, and the yellow colour is at once evident.

From Project Gutenberg

Thus para-nitrophenol has colourless molecules, but an intensely yellow negative ion.

From Project Gutenberg

This equilibrium curve, therefore, shows that o-nitrophenol and p-toluidine do not combine with one another.

From Project Gutenberg