, the product is:

Options

A. `PhOC_(2)H_(5)`
B. Ph-O-Ph
C. PhI
D. `C_(2)H_(5)OC_(2)H_(5)`

Answer

D

Explanation

`C_(2)H_(5)O^(-)` acts as abase. It abstracts H( R) from phenol to form `PhO^(-)` ion.

`C_(2)H_(5)O^(-)` is a stronger nucleophile than `PhO^(-) lt C_(2)H_(5)O)`
Hence the product is obtained by path II.
(Acidic character: `PhOH gt C_(2)H_(5)OH`)
(Basic and nucleophilic character: `PhO^(-) lt C_(2)H_(5)O`