NEET levelSingle correct optionDifficulty 1 of 3ap113
The electrophile that attacks the phenoxide ring in the Reimer-Tiemann reaction (CHClX3 with aqueous NaOH) is
Adichlorocarbene, :CClX2
Bdichloromethyl cation, CHClX2X+
Cchlorocarbene, :CHCl
Dtrichloromethyl cation, CClX3X+
Answer: A
Hydroxide removes a proton from CHClX3 giving CClX3X−, which loses ClX− to form the neutral, electron-deficient dichlorocarbene :CClX2. This carbene is the electrophile.