The mechanism of the Reimer-Tiemann reaction involves several unique steps and reactive intermediate — Alcohols Phenols and Ethers Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

The Reimer-Tiemann synthesis uses $CHCl_3/NaOH$ to generate the highly reactive, electron-deficient electrophile dichlorocarbene ($:CCl_2$). This attacks the ortho position. The intermediate $-CHCl_2$ group is hydrolyzed to an aldehyde ($-CHO$). Statement D is incorrect because the major product is strictly the ortho-isomer, salicylaldehyde (2-hydroxybenzaldehyde), stabilized by intramolecular hydrogen bonding.