Question

Consider the following reaction:

Identify the product A and B.

• A.
• B.
• C.
• D.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

The correct answer is option (D):

The reactant is benzyl phenyl ether (Ph–CH₂–O–Ph), with two benzene rings connected by a –CH₂–O– linkage. When treated with HI under heat (Δ), the ether bond breaks. HI protonates the oxygen, and the iodide (I⁻) attacks the benzyl carbon (Ph–CH₂–) due to the stability of the resonance-stabilized benzyl carbocation. This cleaves the Ph–CH₂–O bond, forming Ph–CH₂–I (benzyl iodide) and Ph–OH (phenol).

Comparing with the options:

- Option 1: A = Ph–CH₃, B = Ph–I (Incorrect, doesn’t match Ph–CH₂–I and Ph–OH).

- Option 2: A = Ph–CH₃, B = Ph–OH (Incorrect, A should be Ph–CH₂–I). 

- Option 3: A = Ph–CH₂OH, B = Ph–I (Incorrect, neither matches).

- Option 4: A = Ph–CH₂I, B = Ph–OH (Correct, matches the products).

Thus, the correct option is Option 4.