Phenol is heated with phthalic anhydride in the presence of cone. H\(_2\)SO\(_4\). The product gives pink colour with alkaline ferric chloride. The product is
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Salicylic acid is produced from the reaction of phenol with phthalic anhydride, and it reacts with ferric chloride to give a characteristic pink colour.
Step 1: Reaction analysis.
When phenol reacts with phthalic anhydride in the presence of sulfuric acid, the product formed is salicylic acid, which gives a pink colour with alkaline ferric chloride.
Step 2: Conclusion.
The correct product is salicylic acid, corresponding to option (1).