Which of the following compounds will react with sodium hydroxide solution in water ?

Options

A. `C_(6)H_(5)OH`
B. `C_(6)H_(5)CH_(2)OH`
C. `(CH_(3))_(3)COH`
D. `C_(2)H_(5)OH`

Explanation

To determine which of the given compounds will react with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution in water, we need to analyze the acidity of each compound. Sodium hydroxide is a strong base, and it will react with acidic compounds to form their corresponding conjugate bases.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Identify the Compounds**: The compounds given are:
- 1. C6H5OH (Phenol)
- 2. C6H5CH2OH (Benzyl Alcohol)
- 3. CH3CH3OH (Tertiary Butyl Alcohol)
- 4. C2H5OH (Ethanol)

2. **Understand Acidity**: The ability of a compound to react with NaOH depends on its acidity. The more acidic a compound is, the more likely it is to donate a proton (H⁺) and react with the hydroxide ion (OH⁻) from NaOH.

3. **Analyze Each Compound**:
- **Phenol (C6H5OH)**: Phenol is known to be acidic due to the resonance stabilization of its conjugate base (phenoxide ion). The benzene ring withdraws electron density from the hydroxyl group, making it easier to lose a proton.
- **Benzyl Alcohol (C6H5CH2OH)**: Benzyl alcohol is less acidic than phenol because the alkyl group (CH2) donates electron density to the oxygen, making it less likely to lose a proton.
- **Tertiary Butyl Alcohol (CH3CH3OH)**: Tertiary butyl alcohol is also less acidic because the bulky alkyl groups donate electron density to the hydroxyl group, further stabilizing the proton and making it harder to lose.
- **Ethanol (C2H5OH)**: Ethanol is weakly acidic, but still less so than phenol. Like benzyl alcohol and tertiary butyl alcohol, the alkyl group donates electron density to the hydroxyl group.

4. **Conclusion**: Among the four compounds, phenol (C6H5OH) is the most acidic and will react with sodium hydroxide in water. The other compounds do not have sufficient acidity to react with NaOH.

### Final Answer:
The compound that will react with sodium hydroxide solution in water is **C6H5OH (Phenol)**.

---