Cresols are

Options

A. Alcoholic -OH
B. Phenolic -OH
C. `-COOH`
D. `-CHO`

Answer

To determine what Cresols are, we need to analyze the structure and properties of Cresols step by step.

### Step 1: Understand the Structure of Cresols
Cresols are derivatives of phenol, which means they contain a benzene ring with a hydroxyl (OH) group attached. The general structure of Cresols can be represented as follows:
- A benzene ring (C6H5)
- A hydroxyl group (–OH) attached to one of the carbon atoms of the benzene ring.
- A methyl group (–CH3) can be attached to the benzene ring at different positions relative to the hydroxyl group.

### Step 2: Identify the Types of Cresols
Cresols can be classified based on the position of the methyl group relative to the hydroxyl group:
- **Ortho-cresol**: The methyl group is at the adjacent carbon to the carbon with the hydroxyl group.
- **Meta-cresol**: The methyl group is at the carbon that is one carbon away from the carbon with the hydroxyl group.
- **Para-cresol**: The methyl group is directly opposite the hydroxyl group on the benzene ring.

### Step 3: Analyze the Functional Groups
Now, let's analyze the functional groups present in Cresols:
- The hydroxyl group (–OH) in Cresols is attached to a benzene ring, which classifies it as a phenolic compound.
- The presence of the hydroxyl group on the benzene ring means that it does not fit the definition of an alcoholic hydroxyl group, which is typically attached to an sp3 hybridized carbon.

### Step 4: Evaluate the Options
Now, let's evaluate the options given in the question:
- **A) Alcoholic OH**: Incorrect, as the –OH group in Cresols is not attached to an sp3 hybridized carbon.
- **B) Phenolic OH**: Correct, as the –OH group is attached to a benzene ring, making it a phenolic hydroxyl group.
- **C) COOH**: Incorrect, as there is no carboxylic acid group in Cresols.
- **D) CHO**: Incorrect, as there is no aldehyde group in Cresols.

### Conclusion
Based on the analysis, the correct answer is **B) Phenolic OH**.

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