How does the OH group affect electrophilic substitution in the benzene ring of phenol?
Correct answer D. It activates the ring and directs to the 2- and 4-positions
Explanation
A lone pair on oxygen is delocalised into the ring, increasing electron density, especially at the ortho (2, 6) and para (4) positions. Phenol therefore reacts faster than benzene and substitutes at these positions.
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