Question

Identify the product P obtained in following reaction

• A.

  

• B.

  

• C.

  

• D.

  

Hint:

Acid catalysed hydroxyalkylation of phenol puts CH2OH at the ortho or para position.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Think about the ring:
The $-\text{OH}$ of phenol stays on the ring and the new carbon enters ortho to it.

Step 2: Match the structures:
Option D shows a ring with $-\text{OH}$ and $-\text{CH}_2\text{OH}$ on adjacent carbons.
Options A, B and C show a ring with a single substituent only ($-\text{COOH}$, $-\text{CH}_2\text{OH}$, $-\text{CHO}$), so the phenolic OH is missing and they cannot come from phenol by this reaction.

Final Answer:
The product is o-hydroxybenzyl alcohol, option (D). \[ \boxed{\text{o-Hydroxybenzyl alcohol}} \]