Question

Write the main product in each of the following reactions: 

Hint:

In reactions of alcohols and phenols, the product formation can be understood by considering the reactivity of the hydroxyl group (-OH) with reagents such as borane, hydrogen peroxide, or carboxylic acids.

Answer 1

(i) The oxidation of the hydroboration product with hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and hydroxide (OH⁻) leads to the formation of a diol. The main product will be (CH₃–CH₂–CH₂–CH₂OH), 1-propanol. 

(ii) Phenol (C₆H₅OH) reacts with aqueous NaOH to form phenoxide ion (C₆H₅O⁻). When phenol reacts with CO₂ in the presence of H⁺, it undergoes carboxylation to form salicylic acid (2-hydroxybenzoic acid).

Main product: Salicylic acid (C₆H₄(OH)COOH)