nitrophenol

American  

[nahy-truh-fee-nawl, -nol] / ˌnaɪ trəˈfi nɔl, -nɒl /

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.

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Etymology

Origin of nitrophenol

First recorded in 1850–55; nitro- + phenol