Describe the methods and processes for the production of phenol.

Vedclass pdf generator app on play store
Vedclass iOS app on app store
(A) Phenol was first isolated from coal tar in the early nineteenth century. Currently,phenol is produced commercially through synthetic methods.
In the laboratory,phenol is prepared from benzene derivatives using the following methods:
$(i)$ From haloarenes: Chlorobenzene is fused with $NaOH$ at $623 \ K$ and $300 \ atm$ pressure to form sodium phenoxide,which upon acidification gives phenol.
$(ii)$ From benzenesulphonic acid: Benzene is sulphonated with oleum $(H_2S_2O_7)$ to form benzenesulphonic acid,which is then converted to sodium phenoxide by fusion with molten $NaOH$,followed by acidification to yield phenol.
$(iii)$ From diazonium salts: $A$ diazonium salt is prepared by treating an aromatic primary amine with nitrous acid $(HNO_2)$ at $273-278 \ K$. The diazonium salt is then hydrolysed to phenol by warming with water or by treating with dilute acids.
$(iv)$ From cumene: Cumene (isopropylbenzene) is oxidised in the presence of air to cumene hydroperoxide,which is then converted to phenol and acetone by treatment with dilute acid.

Explore More

Similar Questions

Boiling water reacts with $C_6H_5N_2^+Cl^-$ to give:

The major product formed in the following reaction sequence is:

Which catalyst is used in the conversion of chlorobenzene to phenol by the Raschig process?

$X, Y$ and $Z$ in the following reaction sequence are

Give the equations of reactions for the preparation of phenol from cumene.

Vedclass Products

For Students

Vedclass Test Series

Mock tests in real JEE/NEET style with performance analysis. 5-day free trial.

Start Free Trial
For Teachers

Exam Paper Generator

Generate Set A/B/C/D exam papers from 7.5L+ questions in 2 minutes. 3 chapters free.

Try Free
For Institutes

Online Exam Module

Live online exams with unlimited students, 360° analytics & white-label branding.

See Demo