Question:

The major product obtained when Phenol is treated with $\mathrm{CHCl_3}$ and aqueous $\mathrm{NaOH}$ at $340\,K$, followed by acidification is:}

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Reimer-Tiemann reaction: \[ \mathrm{Phenol} \xrightarrow[\mathrm{CHCl_3}]{\mathrm{NaOH}} o\text{-Hydroxybenzaldehyde} \] Major product = Salicylaldehyde.
Updated On: Jun 17, 2026
  • Benzalacetophenone
  • Salicylaldehyde
  • Salicylic acid
  • Anisole
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Concept: Phenol reacts with chloroform and aqueous sodium hydroxide followed by acidification in the Reimer-Tiemann reaction. The reaction introduces a formyl group (\(-CHO\)) mainly at the ortho position of phenol.

Step 1:
Formation of dichlorocarbene. Chloroform reacts with aqueous alkali. \[ \mathrm{CHCl_3 + OH^-} \rightarrow :\mathrm{CCl_2} \] Dichlorocarbene is generated.

Step 2:
Electrophilic substitution on phenol. The activated aromatic ring of phenol undergoes substitution by dichlorocarbene mainly at the ortho position.

Step 3:
Hydrolysis and acidification. Subsequent hydrolysis converts the intermediate into an aldehyde group. The final product is \[ o-\mathrm{HO-C_6H_4-CHO} \] which is salicylaldehyde.

Step 4:
Identify the product. Hence the major product is \[ \boxed{\text{Salicylaldehyde}} \] and therefore, \[ \boxed{\text{Option (2)}} \]
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