Nitrophenols can be obtained via nitrosation-oxidation of phenols with Oxon
e (R), NaNO2 and wet SiO2 at room temperature in moderate to high yields. I
n situ generation of HNO2 and the radical cation mechanism via the nitrous
acid catalysed (NAC) pathway or hydrogen abstraction involving NO, appear t
o be applicable to phenol nitration using these reagents.