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).