Chemistry - ALCOHOL & ETHER Question with Solution | TestHub

Question Explanation:

The question asks which compound is formed as the major product when the given molecule reacts with HCl on heating.

Concept:

This question is based on Benzylic substitution (Alcohol → Alkyl halide conversion).

Solution:

Benzylic –CH₂OH reacts readily with HCl to form –CH₂Cl (via carbocation/S_N1, stabilized by the aromatic ring).

Phenolic –OH does not get replaced by Cl⁻ because Ar–OH does not undergo substitution with HCl. Hence, only the benzylic alcohol is converted to chloride. 

Final product obtained is p-Hydroxybenzyl chloride (HO–C₆H₄–CH₂Cl)