The product of the following reaction is P. [figure] The number of hydroxyl groups present in the product P is .
Answer
0
Solution
PhMgBr is a strong base; the phenolic –OH (acidic H) reacts with it faster than the –CHO group:
[figure]
∵ Only 1 equiv. of PhMgBr is used, it is fully used up in this acid–base step ⇒ no addition to –CHO
aq. NH4Cl only gives back the starting phenol ⇒ the new product P = benzene
⇒ number of –OH groups in P = 0
Answer: 0