Question

Convert benzene into salicylic acid

Answer 1

Step 1) Benzene to Phenol

Step 2) Phenol to Salicylic Acid

Details on Step 2:

The first part of step 2 involves heating the phenol (125C) with NaOH and CO2 under pressure (100atm). This gives the sodium salt of the desired product. This sodium salt is then treated with sulfuric acid to protonate the phenol and carboxylate groups.

Answer 2

Step 1) Benzene to Phenol
Step 2) Phenol to Salicylic Acid