Question

Write the equation involved in the following reaction:

Kolbe’s reaction

Explain the following with an example.

Kolbe’s reaction

Answer 1

The phenoxide ion produced by the reaction of phenol with sodium hydroxide has greater reactivity than phenol in electrophilic aromatic substitution. Therefore, it experiences electrophilic replacement with carbon dioxide, a mild electrophile. Ortho-hydroxybenzoic acid is produced as the primary reaction product.