Question

Name the catalyst used in commercial method of preparation of phenol.

• A. Silica
• B. Calcium phosphate
• C. Anhydrous aluminium chloride
• D. Cobalt naphthenate

Answer 1

The correct option is D Cobalt naphthenate

Cobalt naphthenate is the catalyst used in a commercial method of preparation of phenol.

Alkaline solution of cumene (isopropyl benzene) in sodium carbonate is oxidised with air/oxygen in presence of cobalt naphthenate catalyst to form cumene hydroperoxide.

Cumene hydroperoxide heating with dilute $H_{2}S{O}_4$ decomposes cumene hydroperoxide to phenol and acetone.

Option D is correct.