Question

In Dow's process for the manufacture of phenol, $PhCl$ is fused with $NaOH$ at elevated temperature under pressure.
$PhCl\underset{623K,300atm}{\overset{NaOH}{\to }}\left[Intermediate\right]\underset{}{\overset{H_{2}O}{\to }}\underset{\left(A\right)+(B+C)sideproduct}{Phenol}$
Which of the following statements are correct?

• A. Phenol is formed via the formation of benzyne intermediate
• B. p-phenyl phenol is also formed as a by-product
• C. Diphenylether is also formed as a by-product
• D. Biphenylene is also formed as a by-product

Answer 1

Answer: (A), (B), (C)

Phenol is formed via the formation of benzyne intermediate
p-phenyl phenol is also formed as a by-product
Diphenylether is also formed as a by-product

PhCl+NaOH given phenol as the major product

After the formation of benzyne, $O{H}^{-}$nucleophilic attack takes place. the reaction mixture also contains some phenoxide ions. So Diphenyl ether is a possible side product.

Third by product is shown in the figure.