Question

Identify the product(s) formed in the following reaction:

• A.
• B.
• C.
• D.

Hint:

In acidic cleavage of aryl alkyl ethers, cleavage occurs at the alkyl side, forming phenol and alkyl halide.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

The reaction is acidic cleavage of an ether using concentrated HBr and heat: \[ \text{C}_6\text{H}_5\text{–O–CH(CH}_3)_2 \xrightarrow{\text{HBr},\ \Delta} \text{C}_6\text{H}_5\text{OH} + \text{(CH}_3)_2\text{CHBr} \] Mechanism:
- Protonation of ether oxygen
- Cleavage at the alkyl side (not the aromatic side)
- Phenol remains intact, and the alkyl group becomes an alkyl halide