Question 17 of 39beginner🧠 RememberShort Answer2 marks

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

Correct Answer

Phenol is manufactured from the hydrocarbon cumene (isopropylbenzene). The preparation involves two steps:

Step 1: Cumene is oxidised in the presence of air to form cumene hydroperoxide.

Cumene+O2→Cumene hydroperoxide\text{Cumene} + \text{O}_2 \rightarrow \text{Cumene hydroperoxide}

Step 2: Cumene hydroperoxide is treated with dilute acid to convert it into phenol and acetone.

Cumene hydroperoxide→dilute acidPhenol+CH3COCH3\text{Cumene hydroperoxide} \xrightarrow{\text{dilute acid}} \text{Phenol} + \text{CH}_3\text{COCH}_3

Acetone is obtained as a by-product in this reaction and is produced in large quantities by this method.

Exercise: EXERCISES | Q: 7.9 | (Page Page 30)
For More Understanding

Explanation

The question asks for the equations of reactions for preparation of phenol from cumene. The context clearly states that phenol is manufactured from cumene (isopropylbenzene) through a two-step process: oxidation by air to form cumene hydroperoxide, followed by treatment with dilute acid to yield phenol and acetone as a by-product. This is a commercially important method for phenol production.

Solution Steps

  1. Step 1: Oxidation of cumene in presence of air to form cumene hydroperoxide

  2. Step 2: Treatment of cumene hydroperoxide with dilute acid to produce phenol and acetone

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