Question

Acetaldehyde to Isopropyl Alcohol

Answer 1

Acetaldehyde \( (CH_3CHO) \) can be converted to isopropyl alcohol \( (CH_3CH(OH)CH_3) \) through the following steps: 
1. Aldol Condensation: \[ 2CH_3CHO \xrightarrow{\text{Dil. NaOH}} CH_3CH(OH)CH_2CHO \] 
2. Catalytic Hydrogenation: \[ CH_3CH(OH)CH_2CHO + H_2 \xrightarrow{\text{Ni, Heat}} CH_3CH(OH)CH_3 \] Thus, acetaldehyde undergoes aldol condensation followed by hydrogenation to yield isopropyl alcohol.

Answer 2

Cumene \( (C_6H_5CH(CH_3)_2) \) is converted to phenol by the cumene hydroperoxide process: 
1. Oxidation of Cumene: \[ C_6H_5CH(CH_3)_2 + O_2 \rightarrow C_6H_5C(CH_3)_2OOH \] 
2. Acidic Hydrolysis: \[ C_6H_5C(CH_3)_2OOH \xrightarrow{H^+} C_6H_5OH + CH_3COCH_3 \] Thus, cumene is oxidized to cumene hydroperoxide, which undergoes acid hydrolysis to give phenol and acetone as a byproduct.

Answer 3

Anisole \( (C_6H_5OCH_3) \) can be converted to phenol \( (C_6H_5OH) \) via hydrolysis using hydrobromic acid: \[ C_6H_5OCH_3 + HBr \xrightarrow{\text{Heat}} C_6H_5OH + CH_3Br \]
Neon (Ne) is a noble gas with various applications. Two important uses include:
1. Illumination: Used in neon lights and advertising signs.
2. Cryogenics: Used in high-performance cooling systems, especially in refrigeration.