Abstract: 4-(2,4-Dinitrophenyl)phenols are prepared by reacting a 1,3-dinitrobenzene having a replaceable hydrogen in the 4-position with a phenol having a replaceable hydrogen in the 4-position in an inert solvent and in the presence of a strong base. The 1,3-dinitrobenzene and phenol may be substituted or unsubstituted, and preferred phenols include phenol and 2,6-dialkylphenols.