Question

Assertion (A): The presence of −OH group in phenols directs the incoming group to meta position in the ring.
Reason (R): −OH group in phenols activates the aromatic ring towards electrophilic substitution reaction.

• A. Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true and Reason (R) is the correct explanation of the Assertion (A).
• B. Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, but Reason (R) is not the correct explanation of the Assertion (A).
• C. Assertion (A) is true, but Reason (R) is false.
• D. Assertion (A) is false, but Reason (R) is true.

Hint:

The directing nature of a substituent decides where the new group enters the benzene ring. The \(-OH\) group donates electron density through resonance.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understand the format.
We judge the truth of the Assertion and the Reason separately, then match to the right option.

Step 2: Check the Assertion.
The Assertion says the \(-OH\) group of phenol directs the incoming group to the meta position. In fact the \(-OH\) group donates electron density by resonance and directs to ortho and para, not meta. So the Assertion is FALSE.

Step 3: Check the Reason.
The Reason says the \(-OH\) group activates the ring toward electrophilic substitution. This is TRUE, because the lone pairs on oxygen increase electron density on the ring.

Step 4: Match Assertion and Reason status.
Here the Assertion is false but the Reason is true.

Step 5: Conclude.
The correct choice is that Assertion is false but Reason is true, which is option 4.

\[ \boxed{\text{Assertion false, Reason true}} \]