Question

Q.23 How will you prepare phenol from cumen?
Write IUPAC name of the following compound
O-CH2-CH2-CH3
​

Answer 1

Explanation:

To prepare phenol, cumene is first oxidised in the presence of air to cumene hydroperoxide.

(Isoprophyl benzene)

Cumene

O

2

Cumene hydroperoxide

Now, cumene hydroperoxide is treated with dilute acid to prepare phenol and acetone as by-products.

Cumene hydroperoxide

H

+

323−363K

Phenol+Acetone

By this method, acetone is obtained in large quantities.