In Reimer Tiemann reaction dichlorocarbene acts as

Options

A. Nucleophile
B. Electrophile
C. Free radical
D. All of these

Answer

To solve the question regarding the role of dichlorocarbene in the Reimer-Tiemann reaction, we can break down the information step by step.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding the Reimer-Tiemann Reaction**:
- The Reimer-Tiemann reaction involves the reaction of phenol with chloroform (CHCl3) in the presence of a strong base, typically potassium hydroxide (KOH). This reaction introduces a formyl group (-CHO) into the ortho position of the phenol.

2. **Identifying Dichlorocarbene**:
- During the reaction, chloroform reacts with the base to generate dichlorocarbene (CCl2), which is an intermediate in the reaction mechanism.

3. **Characterizing Dichlorocarbene**:
- Dichlorocarbene (CCl2) has a carbon atom that is bonded to two chlorine atoms and has only six electrons in its valence shell (two from each C-Cl bond). This makes it electron-deficient.

4. **Determining the Nature of Dichlorocarbene**:
- Since dichlorocarbene has a carbon atom that is electron-deficient (it needs 8 electrons to be stable), it behaves as an electrophile. Electrophiles are species that seek electrons and are typically positively charged or electron-deficient.

5. **Conclusion**:
- Therefore, in the context of the Reimer-Tiemann reaction, dichlorocarbene acts as an **electrophile**.

### Final Answer:
Dichlorocarbene acts as an **electrophile** in the Reimer-Tiemann reaction.

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