Question
An organic compound with the molecular formula C _6 H _6 O dissolves in NaOH, gives a characteristic colour with neutral FeCl _3 and on treatment with bromine water gives a tri bromo derivative. Which is that compound among the following?
MHT CET
Chemistry
Alcohols Phenols and Ethers
2026
MHT CET 2026 (11 April Shift 2)
MHT CET Chemistry Question (2026) — Solution
Options
- A. Alcohol
- B. Ether
- C. Ketone
- D. Phenol
Answer
D. Phenol
Step-by-step solution
The molecular formula C _6 H _6 O corresponds to phenol ( C _6 H _5 OH ). Phenol is weakly acidic in nature and dissolves in aqueous NaOH to form sodium phenoxide. It reacts with neutral FeCl _3 to form a complex that gives a characteristic violet colour. On treatment with bromine water, phenol undergoes electrophilic aromatic substitution at both ortho and para positions to yield a white precipitate of 2,4,6-tribromophenol. Thus, the given compound is phenol. Answer: Phenol
Related: Chemistry — Alcohols Phenols and Ethers · All PYQ Banks