What is the primary intermediate species formed during the Reimer-Tiemann reaction when phenol is treated with chloroform in the presence of an aqueous sodium hydroxide base?

💡 Solution & Explanation

The Reimer-Tiemann reaction proceeds via the alpha-elimination of hydrogen chloride from chloroform induced by strong base to generate a reactive dichlorocarbene electrophile that attacks the phenol ring. Free radicals are involved in halogenation reactions rather than carbene insertions. Diazonium ions are formed during aniline diazotization. Carboxylate ions are formed during carboxylation procedures like the Kolbe reaction.