Question

What is the major organic product obtained when phenol undergoes the Reimer-Tiemann reaction?

• A. Benzaldehyde
• B. o-Hydroxybenzaldehyde (Salicylaldehyde)
• C. p-Hydroxybenzoic acid
• D. o-Nitrophenol

Hint:

The Reimer-Tiemann reaction introduces a formyl group (-CHO) to the aromatic ring of phenol at the ortho position, producing o-hydroxybenzaldehyde (salicylaldehyde).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

The Reimer-Tiemann reaction is used to introduce a formyl group (-CHO) at the ortho position to the hydroxyl group on a benzene ring. When phenol undergoes this reaction, the major product formed is o-hydroxybenzaldehyde, also known as salicylaldehyde, which has both a hydroxyl group and an aldehyde group on the aromatic ring. - Option (A) is incorrect because the reaction does not lead to the formation of benzaldehyde. - Option (C) is incorrect because p-Hydroxybenzoic acid is not formed in this reaction. - Option (D) is incorrect as o-Nitrophenol is unrelated to this reaction. Therefore, the correct answer is option (B).