In the reaction of phenol with CHCl₃ and aq.KOH the electrophile attacking the ring is

Options

(a) CHCl₃
(b) CHCl₂
(c) :CCl₂
(d) COCl₂

Correct Answer:

:CCl₂

Explanation:

The electrophile is dichloromethylene :CCl₂ generated from chloroform by the action of a base. OH⁻ + CHCl₃ ⇌ HOH + :CCl₃ → Cl⁻ + :CCl₂(Dichlorocarbene).