nitrophenol

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

nounChemistry.

any compound derived from phenol by the replacement of one or more of its ring hydrogen atoms by the nitro group.
any of three water-soluble, crystalline isomers of such a derivative, having the formula C6H5NO3, occurring in yellow (ortho-nitrophenol ), pale-yellow (meta-nitrophenol ), and yellowish (para-nitrophenol ) solids, used chiefly as intermediates in organic synthesis and as indicators.

Origin of nitrophenol

First recorded in 1850–55; nitro- + phenol

If an alkali is added, however, a highly dissociated salt of para-nitrophenol is formed, and the yellow colour is at once evident.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 9, Slice 2 | Various
Thus para-nitrophenol has colourless molecules, but an intensely yellow negative ion.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 9, Slice 2 | Various
This equilibrium curve, therefore, shows that o-nitrophenol and p-toluidine do not combine with one another.
The Phase Rule and Its Applications | Alexander Findlay

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