Convert Benzene 3-Bromophenol by choosing appropriate reagents [(i) to (v)] in the correct sequence. (i) NaNO ₂ / HCl (0^ C ) (ii) Conc. HNO ₃ / H ₂ SO ₄ (iii) H ₂ O / 283 ~K (iv) Fe / HCl (v) Br 2 / Fe

Step-by-step solution

The conversion of benzene to 3-bromophenol requires the introduction of a meta-directing group followed by bromination, or the use of a group that directs meta and can be converted to a hydroxyl group. Since the hydroxyl group is ortho/para-directing, it must be introduced after the bromine atom is placed in the meta position. Nitration of benzene using Conc. HNO₃ / H₂SO₄ (reagent ii) gives nitrobenzene. Bromination of nitrobenzene using Br₂ / Fe (reagent v) gives 1-bromo-3-nitrobenzene because the nitro group is m