Phenol reacts with bromine in chloroform at low temperature to give

Options

A. m-bromophenol
B. Mixture of ortho and para bromophenol
C. p-bromophenol
D. 2,4,6-tribromophenol

Explanation

To solve the question regarding the reaction of phenol with bromine in chloroform at low temperature, we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Understand the Reactants
Phenol (C6H5OH) is an aromatic compound that contains a hydroxyl (-OH) group attached to a benzene ring. Bromine (Br2) is a diatomic molecule that can act as an electrophile in reactions with aromatic compounds.

**Hint:** Identify the functional groups in the reactants and their reactivity.

### Step 2: Identify the Reaction Conditions
The reaction takes place in chloroform (CHCl3) at low temperatures. Chloroform is a non-polar solvent that can stabilize the bromine molecule and facilitate the reaction.

**Hint:** Consider how the solvent and temperature can affect the reaction mechanism.

### Step 3: Mechanism of the Reaction
When phenol reacts with bromine, the hydroxyl group (-OH) activates the benzene ring towards electrophilic substitution. The bromine can add to the ortho (1,2) or para (1,4) positions relative to the hydroxyl group.

**Hint:** Recall the positions of substitution in aromatic compounds and how activating groups influence them.

### Step 4: Products of the Reaction
At low temperatures, the reaction predominantly yields ortho-bromo-phenol and para-bromo-phenol. The ortho and para positions are favored due to the electron-donating effect of the hydroxyl group, which stabilizes the carbocation intermediate formed during the reaction.

**Hint:** Think about the stability of intermediates and how they influence product distribution.

### Step 5: Write the Final Reaction Equation
The overall reaction can be summarized as follows:

\[ \text{C}_6\text{H}_5\text{OH} + \text{Br}_2 \xrightarrow{\text{CHCl}_3, \text{low temp}} \text{C}_6\text{H}_4\text{Br(ortho)} + \text{C}_6\text{H}_4\text{Br(para)} + \text{HBr} \]

Where:
- C6H4Br(ortho) is ortho-bromo-phenol
- C6H4Br(para) is para-bromo-phenol

**Hint:** Ensure to include all products and by-products in the reaction equation.

### Summary of the Solution
Phenol reacts with bromine in chloroform at low temperature to yield ortho-bromo-phenol and para-bromo-phenol as the main products.