By which reaction is anisole obtained from phenol?

Which of the following is strongly acidic?

Compound '$B$' is

$A$ compound that easily undergoes bromination is

Consider the following reaction:
$Phenol$ $\xrightarrow{Zn\,dust} X$ $\xrightarrow[{Anhyd.\,AlCl_3}]{CH_3Cl} Y$ $\xrightarrow{Alkaline\,KMnO_4} Z$
The product $Z$ is:

Phenol $(C_6H_6O)$ $\xrightarrow{Br_2 \text{ in } CS_2}$ $X$ (Major product)
Phenol $(C_6H_6O)$ $\xrightarrow{Br_2 \text{ in } H_2O}$ $Y$ (Major product)
What are $X$ and $Y$ in the above reaction respectively?