Question:

What happens when phenol reacts with bromine water?

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Phenol plus bromine water gives 2,4,6-tribromophenol.
Updated On: Oct 1, 2026
  • Brown coloured liquid is obtained
  • Colourless gas evolves
  • White precipitate formed
  • Pink colored solution is obtained
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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The OH group of phenol activates the benzene ring strongly towards electrophilic substitution at the ortho and para positions.

Step 2: Reaction:
With bromine water (no catalyst needed), all three positions are substituted at once. The product is 2,4,6-tribromophenol:
\[ C_6H_5OH + 3Br_2 \rightarrow C_6H_2Br_3OH + 3HBr \]

Step 3: Observation:
2,4,6-Tribromophenol is insoluble in water and appears as a white precipitate, and the brown colour of bromine water disappears. So the answer is (C).

Step 4: Why the others are wrong:
No gas is released (HBr dissolves in water), and no pink colour forms. A brown liquid would mean no reaction.

Final Answer:
Phenol gives a white precipitate of 2,4,6-tribromophenol. \[ \boxed{C:\ \text{White precipitate}} \]
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