Question

Phenol on reaction with aqueous bromine at room temperature gives:

• A. 2-bromophenol
• B. 3-bromophenol
• C. 4-bromophenol
• D. 2,4,6-tribromophenol

Hint:

Phenol undergoes electrophilic substitution faster than benzene due to the activating effect of the -OH group, leading to tri-substituted products.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Phenol is highly reactive toward electrophilic aromatic substitution due to the electron-donating effect of the -OH group. When reacted with bromine water (Br$_2$ in H$_2$O), substitution occurs at the ortho (2), para (4), and ortho (6) positions, forming 2,4,6-tribromophenol, a white precipitate.