Question:

Identify the major product for the reaction: 
 


 

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Phenol + Br\(_2\) at low temperature in CHCl\(_3\) → para substitution; dehalogenation with Na gives hydroquinone.
Updated On: Jul 18, 2026
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Electrophilic bromination of phenol.
Phenol undergoes bromination at ortho and para positions due to activating –OH group. Low temperature in chloroform favors selective para substitution.

Step 2: Formation of tribromophenol intermediate.
At 273K, bromination primarily yields para-bromophenol. Further treatment with Na in dry ether removes bromine atoms via reduction (Wurtz-type or similar) forming hydroquinone.

Step 3: Identify reaction pathway.
Sequence: selective bromination → dehalogenation with sodium → 1,4-dihydroxybenzene (hydroquinone).

Step 4: Check positions.
Para substitution ensures hydroxyl groups at 1,4 positions. Ortho positions may also react but sterically less favorable; para dominates at low temperature.

Step 5: Eliminate incorrect options.
Phenol ether, naphthalene derivative, or biphenyl are not formed in this reaction sequence.

Step 6: Final conclusion.
\[ \boxed{\text{Hydroquinone (1,4-dihydroxybenzene)}} \]
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