In Reimer Tiemann reaction dichlorocarbene acts as

Options

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

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding the Reimer-Tiemann Reaction:**
The Reimer-Tiemann reaction is a chemical reaction that involves the ortho-formylation of phenols using chloroform in the presence of a strong base. It leads to the formation of salicylaldehyde.

2. **Identifying the Role of Dichlorocarbene:**
In this reaction, dichlorocarbene is generated from chloroform (CHCl3) when it reacts with a strong base. The base deprotonates the chloroform, leading to the formation of dichlorocarbene (CCl2).

3. **Analyzing the Structure of Dichlorocarbene:**
The structure of dichlorocarbene can be represented as CCl2. The central carbon atom is bonded to two chlorine atoms. This carbon atom has only six electrons in its valence shell, making it electron-deficient.

4. **Determining the Nature of Dichlorocarbene:**
Since the central carbon in dichlorocarbene is electron-deficient, it acts as an electrophile. Electrophiles are species that seek to gain electrons and react with nucleophiles, which are electron-rich species.

5. **Conclusion:**
Therefore, in the Reimer-Tiemann reaction, dichlorocarbene acts as an electrophile and serves as an intermediate in the reaction mechanism.

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