Question

How to convert benzene into phenol?

Answer 1

Conversion of Benzene into Phenol:

Step 1: Formation Chlorobenzene

The Benzene is first treated with Ferric(III) chloride and Chlorine to produce Chlorobenzene:

Step 2: Formation of Phenoxide ion

From here the conversion of Chlorobenzene to Phenol is called the Dow's process.

Firstly, the Chlorobenzene formed is treated with Sodium hydroxide at $623\mathrm{K}$and $300\mathrm{atm}$ to produce the Phenoxide ion:

Step 3: Formation of Phenol

Finally, the Phenoxide formed is now treated with Hydrochloric acid to form our required Phenol:

This conversion of Benzene to Phenol is 3 step reaction.