What is the product formed when phenol reacts with bromine water?

Solution

1. Phenol is highly activated towards electrophilic aromatic substitution.
2. The $\text{-OH}$ group directs the incoming electrophile to ortho and para positions.
3. Reaction with bromine water leads to substitution at all available ortho and para positions.
4. The product is $2,4,6\text{-tribromophenol}$.
5. Hence the answer is (C).