Question

Phenol can be converted to salicylaldehyde by:

• A. \(\text{Kolbe reaction}\)
• B. \(\text{Williamson reaction}\)
• C. \(\text{Etard reaction}\)
• D. \(\text{Reimer-Tiemann reaction}\)
• E. \(\text{Stephen reaction}\)

Hint:

The Reimer-Tiemann reaction introduces an aldehyde (-CHO) group at the ortho position of phenol when treated with CHCl\(_3\) and NaOH, making it an important reaction in aromatic chemistry.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the conversion of phenol to salicylaldehyde
The Reimer-Tiemann reaction is a specific organic reaction used to introduce an aldehyde (-CHO) group at the ortho position of phenol. The reaction involves treating phenol with chloroform (CHCl\(_3\)) and aqueous sodium hydroxide (NaOH), followed by acidification. 
Step 2: Analyzing the given options 
(A) Kolbe reaction – Converts phenol to salicylic acid, not salicylaldehyde. 
(B) Williamson reaction – Used for the synthesis of ethers, not aldehydes. 
(C) Etard reaction – Oxidizes alkyl groups to aldehydes, but phenol lacks an alkyl group. 
(D) Reimer-Tiemann reaction – Correct reaction for converting phenol to salicylaldehyde. 
(E) Stephen reaction – Used for converting nitriles to aldehydes, not applicable here. 
Step 3: Conclusion The Reimer-Tiemann reaction is the correct method for synthesizing salicylaldehyde from phenol. 
Thus, the correct answer is option (D).