Question

Give the equations of reactions for the preparation of phenol from cumene.

Answer 1

To prepare phenol, cumene is first oxidized in the presence of air of cumene hydro-peroxide at 368 to 408 K. Then, cumene hydroxide is treated with dilute acid to prepare phenol and acetone as by-products at 323 to 363 K.

Note This method is employed for the preparation of phenol on commercial scale, as the by product is also an important reagent.