Which of the following statements is not true for Picric Acid?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → It possesses a carboxylic acid group.
Picric acid is 2,4,6-trinitrophenol, \( \ce{C6H2(NO2)3OH} \). It is made by treating phenol with concentrated nitric acid. Although it is called an “acid”, its acidic group is a phenolic –OH; it has no –COOH group.
\( \displaystyle \ce{C6H5OH + 3HNO3} \xrightarrow{\text{conc. }\ce{HNO3}} \ce{C6H2(NO2)3OH + 3H2O} \)
Option (1) It is a highly acidic compound. — True for picric acid. Three electron withdrawing –\( \ce{NO2} \) groups at the ortho and para positions strongly stabilise the phenoxide ion, which makes it a strong acid.
Option (2) It possesses a carboxylic acid group. — Not true for picric acid. It has no –COOH group; its acidic group is the phenolic –OH.
Option (3) It has three nitro groups. — True for picric acid. The nitro groups are at positions 2, 4 and 6 of the ring.
Option (4) It is a phenolic compound. — True for picric acid. The –OH group is attached directly to the benzene ring.
NCERT (2026-27 edition):
Nitration – …
