When phenol reacts with bromine at low temperatures, the primary product formed is p-bromophenol. This occurs because the hydroxyl group on phenol directs the bromine substitution to the para position due to its activating and ortho/para-directing effects.
Reaction Details
The reaction can be summarized as follows:
- Phenol Structure: The presence of the -OH group enhances electron density on the aromatic ring.
- Substitution Position: Bromine tends to substitute at the para position more favorably than the ortho position at lower temperatures.
Final Product
Thus, the correct answer to the reaction of phenol with bromine at low temperatures is B. p-bromophenol.