Question

At low temperature phenol reacts with $B{r}_{2}inC{S}_2$to form

• A. m-bromophenol
• B. o-and p-bromophenol
• C. p-bromophenol
• D. 2, 4, 6-tribromophenol

Answer 1

The correct option is B o-and p-bromophenol

In presence of non-polar solvent $\left(C{S}_2\right)$ the ionization of phenol is suppressed. The ring is slightly activated and hence mono substitution occurs with p-bromophenol as the major product.

On the other hand with water phenol forms 2, 4, 6-tribromo phenol. $\left(C{S}_2\right)$

In aqueous solution phenol ionizes to give phenoxide ion. Due to the presence of negative charge of

oxygen the benzene ring is highly activated and hence trisubstituted product is obtained.