Which of the following compounds are aromatic alcohols?
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → (B) and (C) only
An aromatic alcohol (a benzylic alcohol) has its –OH group on an \( sp^3 \) carbon next to the aromatic ring, that is, on a side chain. When the –OH group is bonded directly to a ring carbon (\( sp^2 \)), the compound is a phenol, not an alcohol; phenols are much more acidic and react differently.
(A) Phenol, \( \ce{C6H5OH} \) — Phenol, not an alcohol. The –OH group is on a ring carbon.
(B) Benzyl alcohol (phenylmethanol), \( \ce{C6H5CH2OH} \) — Aromatic alcohol. The –OH group is on the side-chain \( \ce{CH2} \) carbon.
(C) (3-Methylphenyl)methanol, \( \ce{CH3C6H4CH2OH} \) — Aromatic alcohol. The –OH group is again on the side-chain \( \ce{CH2} \); the methyl group on the ring does not change the class.
(D) m-Cresol (3-methylphenol), \( \ce{CH3C6H4OH} \) — Phenol, not an alcohol. The –OH group is on a ring carbon.
NCERT (2026-27 edition):
Alcohols – Mono, Di, Tri or Polyhydric Alcohols – “… Benzylic alcohols: In these alcohols, the —OH group is attached to a sp3—hybridised carbon atom next to an aromatic ring.”