II. Read the passage given below and answer the following questions :
The reaction of phenol with aqueous sodium hydroxide indicates that phenols are stronger acids than alcohols and water. Due to the higher electronegativity of `sp^(2)` hybridised carbon of phenol to which -OH is attached, electron density decreases on oxygen. This increases the polarity of O-H bons and results in an increase in ionisation of phenols than that of alcohols. Now let us examine the stabilities of alkoxide and phenoxide ions In alkoxide ion, the phenoxide ion, the charge is delocalised. The delocalisation of negative charge makes phenoxide ion more stable and favours the ionisation of phenol.
Phenol can be distinguished from ethanol by the reaction with ________

Options

A. `Br_(2)//` water
B. Na
C. Glycerol
D. All of the above

Explanation

To answer the question, "Phenol can be distinguished from ethanol by the reaction with ________," we need to analyze the properties and reactions of phenol and ethanol.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding the Reactivity of Phenol and Ethanol**:
- Phenol (C6H5OH) is a weak acid and can donate a proton (H+) to form phenoxide ion (C6H5O⁻).
- Ethanol (C2H5OH) is an alcohol and is less acidic than phenol, meaning it does not ionize to the same extent.

2. **Reaction with Aqueous Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH)**:
- When phenol reacts with aqueous sodium hydroxide, it forms sodium phenoxide (C6H5O⁻Na⁺) and water:
\[ \text{C}_6\text{H}_5\text{OH} + \text{NaOH} \rightarrow \text{C}_6\text{H}_5\text{O}^-\text{Na}^+ + \text{H}_2\text{O} \]
- Ethanol does not react with sodium hydroxide to form a stable alkoxide ion under normal conditions.

3. **Distinguishing Test**:
- The reaction of phenol with NaOH leads to the formation of a soluble phenoxide salt, while ethanol does not show any such reaction. This difference can be used to distinguish between phenol and ethanol.

4. **Conclusion**:
- Therefore, phenol can be distinguished from ethanol by the reaction with **aqueous sodium hydroxide**.

### Final Answer:
Phenol can be distinguished from ethanol by the reaction with **aqueous sodium hydroxide**.