Which of the following is the successive homologue of phenol ?

Options

A. Diphenyl carbinol
B. o-Cresol
C. Catechol
D. 2-Phenyl-2-propanol

Answer

To determine the successive homologue of phenol, we need to understand what constitutes a homologue in organic chemistry. Homologues are compounds that differ by a specific unit, typically a -CH2- group, which corresponds to a difference of 14 in their molecular weights.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Identify the Structure of Phenol**:
- Phenol (C6H5OH) consists of a benzene ring (C6H5) with a hydroxyl group (-OH) attached to it. The molecular formula is C6H6O, and its molecular weight is 94 g/mol.

2. **Understand the Concept of Homologues**:
- Homologues differ by a -CH2- unit (or 14 g/mol). Therefore, to find the successive homologue of phenol, we need to add a -CH2- group to the molecular formula of phenol.

3. **Calculate the Molecular Weight of the Successive Homologue**:
- Adding a -CH2- group to phenol (C6H5OH) gives us C7H8O (C6H5 + CH2). The molecular weight of C7H8O is:
- C: 12 g/mol × 7 = 84 g/mol
- H: 1 g/mol × 8 = 8 g/mol
- O: 16 g/mol × 1 = 16 g/mol
- Total = 84 + 8 + 16 = 108 g/mol

4. **Identify the Compound**:
- The compound C7H8O corresponds to ortho-cresol (or 2-methylphenol), which has the -CH3 group in the ortho position relative to the -OH group on the benzene ring.

5. **Conclusion**:
- Therefore, the successive homologue of phenol is ortho-cresol (C7H8O).

### Final Answer:
The successive homologue of phenol is ortho-cresol (C7H8O).