Question

When phenol is distilled with Zinc dust it gives?

Answer 1

1. Zinc dust is a reducing agent. Therefore Phenol undergoes reduction reaction in presence of Zinc dust.
2. Reduction is a reaction where addition of electrons or removal of Oxygen taken place. It also means addition of Hydrogen.
3. Phenol on heating with zinc dust forms Benzene.
4. 
5. The reaction mechanism is shown below.

Step 1: Formation of phenoxide ion

1. Phenol looses its Hydrogen to form Phenoxide ion.

Step 2: Hydrogen radical formation

Step 3: Benzene formation

1. The bond present between Carbon and Oxygen breaks and forms phenyl radical, which combines with Hydrogen radical to form Benzene.