Question

Chlorobenzene (X) when reacted with reagent ‘A’ gets converted to phenol (Y). The major product obtained from nitration of X gets converted to p-nitrophenol (Z) by reaction with reagent B. What are A and B respectively?

• A. A = NaOH, 623 K, 300 atm; B = NaOH, 443 K, H$^+$
• B. A = NaOH, 443 K, H$^+$; B = H$_2$O, $\Delta$
• C. A = NaOH, 323 K, H$^+$; B = NaOH, 443 K, H$^+$
• D. A = NaOH, 623 K, 300 atm; B = H$_2$O, $\Delta$

Hint:

Phenol can be synthesized by Dow’s process, where chlorobenzene undergoes hydrolysis under high temperature and pressure.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Conversion of Chlorobenzene to Phenol 
Chlorobenzene reacts with NaOH under high temperature (623 K) and pressure (300 atm) to form phenol. 

Step 2: Nitration and Further Reaction 
- The major product of nitration of chlorobenzene is p-nitrochlorobenzene. 
- On treatment with NaOH (443 K, H$^+$), it forms p-nitrophenol.