What is the IUPAC name for benzene with a hydroxyl group?

The compound described in the question is benzene with a hydroxyl (-OH) group attached. When naming this compound according to IUPAC nomenclature, the presence of the hydroxyl group on the benzene ring leads to several naming conventions.

The correct name for this compound is "phenol." This name is specifically used for benzene with a hydroxyl group, distinguished from other related structures. "Phenol" is widely accepted in both common and systematic nomenclature, making it a well-known term in the chemical community.

Other names provided, such as "benzhydrol," refer to different structures entirely that involve benzene but have variations in their substitution patterns. "Hydroxybenzene" is technically accurate as a systematic name but is less commonly used than "phenol," which is preferred for its simplicity and historical context. "Cresol" is a name that indicates a methyl-substituted phenol, which again is not applicable here as there is no methyl group present.

Thus, the IUPAC name "phenol" accurately reflects the structure of benzene with a hydroxyl group, making it the best choice among the options provided.