MHT CET Chemistry Question (2026) — Solution

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Aromatic alcohols are compounds in which the hydroxyl (-OH) group is attached to a carbon atom of an aliphatic side chain, rather than directly to the aromatic ring. If the -OH group is directly attached to the aromatic ring, the compound is classified as a phenol. In compounds (I) and (IV), the -OH group is directly attached to the benzene ring. Hence, they are phenols. In compounds (II) and (III), the -OH group is attached to a sp^3 hybridized carbon atom of the side chain. Hence, they are aromatic alcohols. Answer: II and III Only