NEETChemistryAlcohols Phenols and Ethers
Explain why Lewis acid is not required in bromination of phenol?
Options
- APhenol is a stronger electrophile than bromine.
- BLewis acid is an electron deficient molecule. In bromination of benzene, Lewis acid is used to polarize Br 2 t
- CPhenol is a strong Lewis base that can neutralize any added Lewis acid.
- DBromine is a weaker nucleophile and doesn't require a Lewis acid.
Correct answer
B. Lewis acid is an electron deficient molecule. In bromination of benzene, Lewis acid is used to polarize Br 2 t
Step-by-step solution
Correct Option is : (B) Lewis acid is an electron deficient molecule. In bromination of benzene, Lewis acid is used to polarize Br 2 to form Br + electrophile.In case of phenol, the oxygen atom of phenol itself polarizes the bromine molecule to form Br + ion (electrophile). So, Lewis acid is not required in the bromination of phenol.