Phenol gives 2,4,6-tribromophenol when treated with bromine in aqueous solution but only o- and p-bromophenol in `C Cl_(4)` solution because

Options

A. in aqueous solution, the bromine is ionised
B. in aqueous solution, phenol exists in equilibrium with phenoxide ion which has more activating effect
C. in `C Cl_(4)`, the electrophilicity of `Br_(2)` increases
D. In `C Cl_(4)`, the other position of benzene rings are blocked by the solvent.

Answer

B

Explanation

In phenol, -OH group has activating and ortho, para-directing effect. In aqueous solution, due to the presence of phenoxide ion this effect is enchanced and 2,4,6-tribromophenol is obtained on the reactionn with bromine. But in presence of non-polar `(C Cl_(4))` medium, the activity of phenol is decreased and only ortho and para-bromophenols are obtained.