Compound 'P', `C_(7)H_(8)O` is insoluble in water, dilute HCl and `NaHCO_(3)` . It dissolves in dilute NaOH . When P is treated with `Br_(2)-H_(2)O` , it converts rapidly into a compound of formula `C_(7)H_(5)OBr_(3)` . Identify structure of :

Options

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Explanation

To identify the structure of compound 'P' with the formula C₇H₈O, we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Analyze the Solubility
- Compound 'P' is insoluble in water, dilute HCl, and NaHCO₃ but dissolves in dilute NaOH.
- This indicates that 'P' likely contains an acidic hydrogen, as it reacts with the base (NaOH).

**Hint:** Look for functional groups that can donate a proton (H⁺) to a base.

### Step 2: Consider the Bromination Reaction
- When 'P' is treated with Br₂-H₂O, it converts to a compound with the formula C₇H₅OBr₃.
- The addition of three bromine atoms suggests that 'P' likely has a phenolic structure, which can undergo electrophilic aromatic substitution.

**Hint:** Think about how bromine reacts with aromatic compounds and the positions where it can add.

### Step 3: Identify Possible Structures
- Given that 'P' has an acidic hydrogen and can react with bromine, it is likely a substituted phenol.
- The presence of a methyl group (CH₃) suggests that 'P' could be a methyl-substituted phenol.

**Hint:** Consider the positions of the methyl group relative to the hydroxyl group (–OH) on the benzene ring.

### Step 4: Determine the Position of the Methyl Group
- The methyl group is an electron-donating group, which affects the reactivity of the aromatic ring.
- For bromination to occur at the ortho or para positions, the methyl group should be positioned in a way that does not hinder the electrophilic attack by bromine.

**Hint:** The meta position for the methyl group would allow bromination to occur at the ortho and para positions without interference.

### Step 5: Conclude the Structure of Compound 'P'
- Based on the analysis, the structure of compound 'P' is likely 2-methylphenol (also known as ortho-cresol).
- The bromination of 2-methylphenol would lead to the formation of 2-bromo-4-methylphenol, which fits the formula C₇H₅OBr₃.

**Hint:** Verify the final structure by checking if it matches the molecular formula and the reactivity described.

### Final Structure
The structure of compound 'P' is:

```
CH3
|
C6H4 - OH
```
(2-methylphenol or ortho-cresol)