Question

Write the chemical equation for the preparation of phenol.

Hint:

The preparation of phenol involves the hydroxylation of benzene, often using sodium hydroxide in the presence of heat.

Answer 1

The preparation of phenol can be done via several methods. One common method is the **Caustic soda method**, where chlorobenzene reacts with sodium hydroxide. \[ \text{C}_6\text{H}_5\text{Cl} + \text{NaOH} \xrightarrow{\Delta} \text{C}_6\text{H}_5\text{OH} + \text{NaCl} \] Here, chlorobenzene (C\(_6\)H\(_5\)Cl) reacts with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) in the presence of heat (Δ) to form phenol (C\(_6\)H\(_5\)OH) and sodium chloride (NaCl). Final Answer: \[ \boxed{\text{C}_6\text{H}_5\text{Cl} + \text{NaOH} \xrightarrow{\Delta} \text{C}_6\text{H}_5\text{OH} + \text{NaCl}} \]