Step 1: Understanding diazonium salt reactions.
Diazonium salts can react with phenols to form azo compounds, retaining the diazonium group during the reaction. This reaction is known as diazotization.
Step 2: Analyzing the options.
(A) Reaction with phenol: Correct — This reaction involves the retention of the diazonium group in the final product (azo compound).
(B) Reaction with phosphinic acid: This reaction leads to the elimination of the diazonium group.
(C) Reaction with dilute sulfuric acid: This reaction typically leads to the elimination of the diazonium group.
(D) Reaction with HCl and Cu powder: This reaction also leads to the elimination of the diazonium group.
Step 3: Conclusion.
The correct answer is (A) Reaction with phenol.