Which of the following are benzylic alcohols ?

Options

A. `C_(6)H_(5)-CH_(2)-CH_(2)OH`
B. `C_(6)H_(5)-CH_(2)OH`
C. `C_(6)H_(5)-underset(CH_(3))underset(|)(CH)-OH`
D. `C_(6)H_(5)-CH_(2)-underset(CH_(3))underset(|)(CH)-OH`

Explanation

To determine which of the given compounds are benzylic alcohols, we first need to understand the definition of a benzylic alcohol. A benzylic alcohol is characterized by having a hydroxyl group (-OH) attached to a carbon atom (the benzylic carbon) that is directly adjacent to an aromatic ring (like a benzene ring) and is sp³ hybridized.

Now, let's analyze each option step by step:

### Step 1: Analyze Option A - C6H5CH2CH2OH
- The structure can be represented as:
```
C6H5
|
CH2
|
CH2
|
OH
```
- In this case, the -OH group is attached to a carbon that is two carbons away from the benzene ring. Therefore, this carbon is not the benzylic carbon.
- **Conclusion**: Option A is NOT a benzylic alcohol.

### Step 2: Analyze Option B - C6H5CH2OH
- The structure can be represented as:
```
C6H5
|
CH2
|
OH
```
- Here, the -OH group is attached to a carbon that is directly adjacent to the benzene ring (the benzylic carbon) and this carbon is sp³ hybridized.
- **Conclusion**: Option B IS a benzylic alcohol.

### Step 3: Analyze Option C - C6H5CHOHCH3
- The structure can be represented as:
```
C6H5
|
CH
|
OH
|
CH3
```
- In this case, the -OH group is attached to a carbon that is directly adjacent to the benzene ring (the benzylic carbon) and this carbon is sp³ hybridized.
- **Conclusion**: Option C IS a benzylic alcohol.

### Step 4: Analyze Option D - C6H5CH2CHCH3OH
- The structure can be represented as:
```
C6H5
|
CH2
|
CH
|
CH3
|
OH
```
- In this case, the -OH group is attached to a carbon that is not directly adjacent to the benzene ring. The carbon to which the -OH is attached is not the benzylic carbon as there is another carbon between the benzene and the carbon with the -OH group.
- **Conclusion**: Option D is NOT a benzylic alcohol.

### Final Answer:
The compounds that are benzylic alcohols are **Option B** and **Option C**.

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