Question

In the reaction of phenol with ${CHCl}_3$ and aqueous $NaOH$, the electrophile attacking the ring is:

• A. ${CHCl}_3$
• B. ${CHCl}_2$
• C. ${:CCl}_2$
• D. ${COCl}_2$

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

${:CCl}_2$

In the reaction of phenol with $CHC{l}_3$ and aqueous NaOH, the electrophile attacking the ring is dichlorocarbene $:CC{l}_2$
Dichlorocarbene is formed by the action of strong alkali on chloroform .
$CHC{l}_3+O{H}^{-}\to :CC{l}_3^{-}+H_{2}O$
$:CC{l}_3^{-}\to :CC{l}_2+C{l}^{-}$