What is the major product formed when phenol reacts with H₂SO₄ at 15⁰C?

o-Phenol sulphonic acid

The correct answer is option 1. o-Phenol sulphonic acid.

The major product formed when phenol reacts with \(H_2SO_4\) at 15°C is o-phenolsulphonic acid (2-hydroxybenzenesulphonic acid).

At this temperature, the reaction exhibits kinetic control, favoring the faster-forming product over the thermodynamically more stable one. The ortho position experiences less steric hindrance during the reaction compared to the para position, leading to the faster formation of o-phenolsulphonic acid.