When phenol is treated with aqueous bromine water (), the reaction is extremely rapid. What is the o — Alcohols Phenols and Ethers Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

In a highly polar solvent like water, phenol ionizes significantly to the phenoxide ion, which powerfully activates the ring. Bromination cannot be stopped at monosubstitution, instantly yielding a white precipitate of 2,4,6-tribromophenol.