Question

39. What is the reactant 'x' and 'y' that will react with benzene to give phenol
(A) X is Oleum and y is molten sodium hydroxide followed by H+
(B) X is Oleum and y is HCI
(C) X is Oleum and y is NH3
(D) X is Oleum and y is water​

Answer 1

Answer:

Benzenesulphonic acid can be obtained from benzene by reacting it with oleum. Benzenesulphonic acid thus formed is treated with molten sodium hydroxide at high temperature which leads to the formation of sodium phenoxide.

Answer 2

(A) X = Oleum Y = NaOH/H⁺

Explanation:

• The conversion of benzene to phenol can be done by sulphonation reaction followed by reaction with base.
• In this first benzene is reacted with oleum to undergo sulphonation reaction and formation of sulphonic acid.
• Then it is reacted with sodium hydroxide fuse, to form sodium phenoxide ion.
• Then acid workup form phenol.
• Therefore, option (A) is correct.