What is the major product of the reaction between phenol and bromine water?

C. 2,4,6-tribromophenol — Phenol is highly activated towards electrophilic aromatic substitution, leading to polybromination in aqueous medium.

JEE Main · ChemistryHard

$What is the major product of the reaction between C_{6} H_{5} OH and Br_{2} (aq) ?$

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Correct answer: C — $2,4,6-tribromophenol$

$The hydroxyl group in phenol strongly activates the benzene ring towards electrophilic substitution.$
$In aqueous solution, phenol exists in equilibrium with the phenoxide ion, which is even more strongly activating.$
$The high electron density leads to rapid electrophilic substitution at all ortho and para positions.$
$The final product is 2,4,6-tribromophenol.$
$Hence the answer is (C).$