Question

How is Phenol converted to Salicylic acid ?

Answer 1

Phenol can be converted into Salicylic acid in following ways:

1. The conversion of phenol to Salicylic acid is known as Kolbe process.
2. Firstly phenol(${\mathrm{C}}_6{\mathrm{H}}_5\mathrm{OH}$) and Carbon dioxide(${\mathrm{CO}}_2$) in an alkaline medium are reacted to produce sodium-$2$-oxido benzoate
3. The obtained sodium-$2$-oxido benzoate is treated in acidic medium to obtained final product.

Mechanism:

Therefore, the above points and mechanism clearly stated the conversion of phenol to Salicylic acid.