Phenol reacts with bromine water at room temperature to give an immediate white precipitate of

Correct answer: C. 2,4,6-tribromophenol

  • A. bromobenzene
  • B. phenyl bromide
  • C. 2,4,6-tribromophenol
  • D. benzene hexabromide

Explanation

The hydroxyl group is strongly activating and directs substitution to the two and four positions, so all three are brominated at once without any catalyst, whereas benzene itself requires a halogen carrier and gives only monosubstitution. The white precipitate is a standard test for phenol. Activation arises because a lone pair on oxygen is donated into the ring, raising its electron density.

Written and checked by , M.Phil ChemistryLast updated
Report an error

The more specific you are, the faster it gets fixed. A source beats an opinion.

Prefer email? support@testustad.com

About Phenols

Phenols contain a hydroxyl group directly bonded to an aromatic ring, making them more acidic than alcohols because the phenoxide ion is resonance-stabilised. Reactions include ionisation with bases, electrophilic substitution, bromination, nitration and oxidation, with attention to the difference between phenols and aliphatic alcohols.

Practise Alcohols and Phenols

535 free Alcohols and Phenols MCQs from Chemistry, each with the correct answer and an explanation. Unlimited attempts, no account needed.

Discussion

Stuck on an option, or know a faster way to get there? Ask or explain it here.

No comments yet. Be the first to explain this one.

Exams that ask Chemistry questions like this

Chemistry is on 14 papers prepared for on TestUstad, and all of them draw the same bank, so this question is worth knowing for every one of them.

More Phenols questions