Question

How do you convert Phenol to Anisole?

Answer 1

The conversion of phenol to anisole is carried out in the presence of a cold water bath. Below are the steps to be followed in the conversion of phenol to anisole:

1. The mixture of phenol and sodium hydroxide is dissolved in a cold water bath. This mixture needs to be stirred continuously.
2. Dimethyl sulfate is added to the above mixture and kept in the water bath for $60$ minutes.
3. Now the mixture is heated for $30$ minutes.
4. Once the mixture is cooled, a layer is formed which can be separated. This layer is known as anisole.
5. The reaction can be given as: