Which of the following best describes the structure of $2,4,6-\text{trimethylphenol}$?

• A. A benzene ring with methyl groups at positions $2$, $4$, and $6$, and a hydroxyl group at position $1$
• B. A benzene ring with methyl groups at positions $2$, $3$, and $5$, and a hydroxyl group at position $1$
• C. A benzene ring with methyl groups at positions $1$, $3$, and $5$, and a hydroxyl group at position $2$
• D. A benzene ring with methyl groups at positions $2$, $4$, and $6$, and an amino group at position $1$

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the parent structure: 'phenol' indicates a benzene ring with a hydroxyl group (-OH) attached at position 1.
2. Understand the numbering system on the benzene ring: The hydroxyl group is assigned position 1, and the carbon atoms are numbered sequentially around the ring.
3. Locate the substituents: '2,4,6-trimethyl' means there are methyl groups (-CH3) attached to the benzene ring at positions 2, 4, and 6 relative to the hydroxyl group.
4. Visualize the structure: Draw a benzene ring with an -OH group at carbon 1, then add methyl groups at carbons 2, 4, and 6, which are the ortho and para positions relative to the hydroxyl group.
5. Confirm the substituents and their positions match the description: three methyl groups at 2, 4, and 6, and one hydroxyl group at 1, ensuring no other groups like amino are present.