How is phenol prepared from chlorobenzene and isopropyl benzene?
From Chlorobenzene (Dow Process):
Chlorobenzene is heated with aqueous NaOH at high temperature and pressure to form sodium phenoxide, which on acidification gives phenol.
Reaction:
C₆H₅Cl → C₆H₅ONa → C₆H₅OH
From Isopropyl Benzene (Cumene Process):
Cumene (isopropyl benzene) is oxidized to cumene hydroperoxide, which on acidic hydrolysis produces phenol and acetone.
Reaction:
Cumene → Cumene hydroperoxide → Phenol + Acetone
Quick Fact: The Cumene Process is the most widely used industrial method for manufacturing phenol.