Which of the following compounds are aromatic alcohols?

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

(B) and (C) only

The correct answer is Option (2) → (B) and (C) only

Aromatic alcohols are those in which the –OH group is present in the side chain attached to an aromatic ring, not directly bonded to the ring carbon (those are phenols).

Now examine each compound:

• (A) – OH directly attached to benzene ring → Phenol (not an aromatic alcohol)
• (B) – CH₂OH attached to benzene ring → Benzyl alcohol (aromatic alcohol)
• (C) – CH₂OH side chain with a methyl-substituted benzene → Aromatic alcohol
• (D) – OH directly on benzene ring (cresol) → Phenol (not an aromatic alcohol)