Question

Assertion (A): The presence of -OH group in phenols directs the incoming group to ortho and para positions.
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 -OH group has lone pairs on oxygen that are donated into the benzene ring by resonance (+M effect).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Check the Reason.
The \(-OH\) group has lone pairs on oxygen that it pushes into the ring by resonance (+M effect). This raises the ring's electron density and activates it towards electrophilic substitution. So the Reason is true.

Step 2: Check the Assertion.
The same resonance builds up extra electron density mainly at the ortho and para positions, so the incoming group goes there. So the Assertion is true.

Step 3: Link them.
The activation and the ortho/para direction both come from the same lone pair donation by oxygen.

Step 4: Decide the relation.
Therefore the Reason correctly explains the Assertion.

Step 5: Conclusion.
Both are true and the Reason is the correct explanation.

Answer: Both Assertion and Reason are true and Reason is the correct explanation of the Assertion (Option 1).