The salicylic acid reacts with both the neutral `FeCl_(3)` solution and with `CH_(3)OH` in esterification reaction because it contains -

Options

A. both an acid group and an alcoholic group
B. both an acid group and an aldehydic group
C. both an acid group and a phenolic group
D. both an acid and ester group

Answer

To solve the question, we need to analyze the structure of salicylic acid and understand why it reacts with both neutral FeCl3 and methanol in an esterification reaction.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Identify the Structure of Salicylic Acid**:
Salicylic acid is a compound that contains both a carboxylic acid group (-COOH) and a hydroxyl group (-OH) that is part of a phenolic structure.

**Hint**: Look for functional groups in the molecular structure of salicylic acid.

2. **Reaction with Neutral FeCl3**:
When salicylic acid is mixed with neutral FeCl3, the hydroxyl group (-OH) of the phenolic part of salicylic acid reacts with FeCl3 to form a complex. This reaction is characteristic of phenolic compounds, which can form colored complexes with ferric ions (Fe3+).

**Hint**: Remember that phenolic groups can form complexes with metal ions.

3. **Esterification Reaction with Methanol**:
In the presence of methanol (CH3OH), salicylic acid undergoes esterification. The carboxylic acid group (-COOH) reacts with the alcohol (methanol) to form an ester (salicylate) and water. The general reaction for esterification is:
\[ \text{RCOOH} + \text{R'OH} \rightarrow \text{RCOOR'} + \text{H2O} \]
In this case, R is the salicylic acid part and R' is the methyl group from methanol.

**Hint**: Recall the process of esterification, which involves the reaction between an acid and an alcohol.

4. **Conclusion**:
Salicylic acid reacts with both neutral FeCl3 and methanol because it contains:
- A phenolic group (-OH) that reacts with FeCl3.
- A carboxylic acid group (-COOH) that reacts with methanol to form an ester.

Therefore, the correct answer is that salicylic acid contains both a phenolic group and a carboxylic acid group.

### Final Answer:
Salicylic acid reacts with both neutral FeCl3 and methanol because it contains both a phenolic group (-OH) and a carboxylic acid group (-COOH).