Question

How is phenol manufactured by Cumene process?

Answer 1

Cumene is isopropyl benzene. Cumene in presence of sodium carbonate is oxidised by passing air or oxygen. The catalyst is cobalt naphthenate. Temperature is 423 K. The product cumene hydroperoxide is heated with dilute sulphuric acid. It decomposes to phenol and by product acetone. Acetone is separated by distillation.