Question

(a) Give the equationof reaction for the preparation of phenol from cumene. (b) Write the chemical reaction for the preparation of phenol from chloro benzene

Answer 1

cayenne is isopropyl benzene

Answer 2

Cumene is air oxidized in presence of Cobalt naphthenate in alkaline medium to form cumene hydroperoxide ,which on heating in presence of dilute sulphuric acid form phenol along with acetone.



Mechanism:—

Cumene undergo oxidation by free radical mechanism to form cumene hydroperoxide.

Cumene hydroperoxide is protonated by acid,and then electron deficient oxygen containing intermediate is obtained. Phenyl group get shifted to the electron deficient oxygen.



Latter new intermediate also accept proton ,and thus formation of phenol takes along with acetone.