4-(2-Cyano-4-nitrophenyl)phenols are prepared by reacting a 3-cyano-1-nitrobenzene 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 3-cyano-1-nitrobenzene and phenol may be substituted or unsubstituted, and preferred phenols include phenol and 2,6-dialkylphenols.