Concept:
Phenols react with neutral ferric chloride (\(FeCl_3\)) to form colored complexes. This reaction is commonly used as a qualitative test for phenolic compounds.
Step 1: Understand the reaction.
When phenol reacts with neutral ferric chloride, a complex ion is formed between the phenoxide ion and \(Fe^{3+}\).
Step 2: Observe the characteristic color.
This complex formation produces a characteristic violet color in the solution.
Step 3: State the conclusion.
\[
\boxed{\text{Violet color}}
\]