MHT CET Chemistry Question (2026) — Solution

Step-by-step solution

The given reaction is the condensation of phenol with formaldehyde in the presence of an acid catalyst, which is the first step in the synthesis of Bakelite (Lederer-Manasse reaction). In the presence of an acid, formaldehyde is protonated to generate the electrophile ^+CH_2OH: HCHO + H^+ ^+CH_2OH The -OH group of phenol is strongly activating and directs the incoming electrophile to the ortho and para positions. The electrophile ^+CH_2OH attacks the ortho and para positions of the phenol ring, leading to the formation of ortho-hydroxybenzyl alcohol and para-hydroxybenzyl alcohol. Among the given options, ortho-hydroxybenzyl alcohol is present, which corresponds to the correct product. Answer: