Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 5, 2026

Photogeneration of N-Heterocyclic Carbenes: Application in Photoinduced Ring-Opening Metathesis Polymerization
Published on: November 29, 2018
Phenol photonitration
Davide Vione1, Valter Maurino, Claudio Minero
1Dipartimento di Chimica Analitica, Università di Torino, Via Pietro Giuria 5, 10125 Torino.
This study details nitrophenol formation from phenol under light, reviewing its reaction pathway and pH effects. Nitrate and nitrite are key nitrogen sources in natural waters and atmospheric hydrometeors.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Chemistry
- Photochemistry
Background:
- Phenol photonitration, the formation of nitrophenols from phenol under illumination, was discovered in 1988.
- Nitrate and nitrite are significant nitrogen sources that undergo photolysis upon near-UV light absorption.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present new data on nitrophenol formation from phenol under illumination.
- To review studies on phenol photonitration, including recent pathway elucidation.
- To account for the pH effect on phenol photonitration.
Main Methods:
- Experimental investigation of nitrophenol formation.
- Review of existing literature on phenol photonitration.
- Analysis of the influence of pH on the reaction.
Main Results:
- New data on nitrophenol formation under illumination.
- Elucidation of the reaction pathway for phenol photonitration.
- Experimental results demonstrating the effect of pH on the process.
- Identification of nitrate and nitrite as key nitrogen sources.
Conclusions:
- Phenol photonitration is influenced by pH.
- Nitrate and nitrite play crucial roles as environmental factors in this process.
- These photochemical reactions can occur in natural waters and atmospheric hydrometeors.
Related Concept Videos
The Photochemical Reaction Center
Photochemical Electrocyclic Reactions: Stereochemistry
Selection Rules: Photochemical Activation
Hydrolysis of Chlorobenzene to Phenol: Dow Process
Oxidation of Phenols to Quinones
o-hydroxy phenols are oxidized to o-quinones and p-hydroxy phenols to p-quinones. Such redox reactions involve the transfer of two electrons and two protons. The reversible redox property is crucial in...
Benzene to Phenol via Cumene: Hock Process
Cycloaddition Reactions: MO Requirements for Photochemical Activation
![[(DPEPhos)(bcp)Cu]PF6: A General and Broadly Applicable Copper-Based Photoredox Catalyst](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcloudfront.jove.com%2FCDNSource%2Fteasers%2F59739.jpg&w=3840&q=50)
