Question:easy

Identify the product formed when aryl-alkyl ether reacts with cold HI.

Show Hint

The alkyl-oxygen bond breaks, while the aryl-oxygen bond is stronger and stays intact.
Updated On: Nov 12, 2026
  • alkyl iodide and water
  • aryl iodide and water
  • alkyl iodide, aryl iodide and water
  • phenol and alkyl iodide
Show Solution

The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Protonation
The oxygen of the ether picks up a proton from HI to form an oxonium ion.

Step 2: Attack of iodide
Iodide attacks the less hindered alkyl carbon and releases the phenol as the leaving group.

Step 3: Result
Cold HI stops at this stage, since the phenol does not react further to give an aryl iodide.

Final Answer:
Phenol and the alkyl iodide are formed. \[ \boxed{\text{(D) }\text{phenol and alkyl iodide}} \]
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