Phenol `+ CH_(2) O overset("Alkali") to A ` , Here, [A] is :

Options

A. O & p- Hydroxy benzyl alcohol
B. m - Hydroxy Benzaldehyde
C. Aniline
D. None of these

Answer

To solve the problem, we need to analyze the reaction between phenol and formaldehyde (CH₂O) in the presence of an alkali. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the reaction and the products formed:

### Step 1: Identify the Reactants
The reactants in this reaction are:
- Phenol (C₆H₅OH)
- Formaldehyde (CH₂O)

### Step 2: Understand the Reaction Conditions
The reaction occurs in the presence of an alkali. Alkali typically refers to a base, which can facilitate the reaction between phenol and formaldehyde.

### Step 3: Reaction Mechanism
When phenol reacts with formaldehyde in an alkaline medium, it undergoes a reaction known as hydroxymethylation. The hydroxymethyl group (-CH₂OH) can add to the aromatic ring of phenol.

### Step 4: Identify the Possible Products
The hydroxymethylation of phenol can lead to two main products:
1. Ortho-hydroxymethylphenol (where the -CH₂OH group is added to the ortho position relative to the hydroxyl group).
2. Para-hydroxymethylphenol (where the -CH₂OH group is added to the para position relative to the hydroxyl group).

### Step 5: Write the Chemical Structures
- **Ortho-hydroxymethylphenol**:
- Structure: C₆H₄(OH)(CH₂OH) (with -CH₂OH at the ortho position)

- **Para-hydroxymethylphenol**:
- Structure: C₆H₄(OH)(CH₂OH) (with -CH₂OH at the para position)

### Step 6: Conclusion
Thus, the products formed from the reaction of phenol with formaldehyde in the presence of alkali are:
- Ortho-hydroxymethylphenol
- Para-hydroxymethylphenol

These can also be referred to as ortho-hydroxybenzyl alcohol and para-hydroxybenzyl alcohol.

### Final Answer
The compound [A] is a mixture of ortho-hydroxymethylphenol and para-hydroxymethylphenol.

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