The aciton of bromine water (excess) on salicylic acid results in the formation of

Options

A.
B.
C.
D.

Answer

D

Explanation

Bromination (and nitration) of salicylic acid causes displacement of the carboxyl group with formation of the corresponding `2,4,6-`trisubstutude phenol.

Displacement of the carboxyl group occurs by the following mechanism:

Decarboxylation in alkaline solution takes place similarly (a proton from water is the attacking agent instead of `Br^(+)`) Notice that these displacements of the carboxyl group occur when the reactions are carried out in aqueous solution. They do not occur in acetic acid solution: