Question

In Kolbe's reaction the reacting substances are

• A. Sodium phenate and CCl₄
• B. Sodium phenate and CO₂
• C. Phenol and CHCl₃
• D. Phenol and CCl₄

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Kolbe's reaction involves the electrolysis of a sodium phenate solution in the presence of carbon dioxide \((CO_2)\).
 Sodium phenate is derived from phenol \((\text{C}_6\text{H}_5\text{OH})\) by treating it with sodium hydroxide \((NaOH)\). When sodium phenate is electrolyzed, it undergoes decarboxylation in the presence of CO₂, resulting in the formation of sodium salicylate.
The reaction can be represented as follows:
\(2 \text{C}_6\text{H}_5\text{ONa} + 2 \text{CO}_2 \rightarrow 2 \text{C}_7\text{H}_5\text{O}_3\text{Na} + \text{O}_2\)
This reaction is an important step in the synthesis of salicylic acid and related compounds.
Therefore, the correct reacting substances in Kolbe's reaction are sodium phenate and CO₂ (option B).