Question

Identify the substrate 'X' in the following reaction.

\[\ce{\underset{}{X + O2} ->[i) Co-naphtenate 423 K][ii) dil HClΔ] \underset{\underset{}{}}{Phenol + Acetone}}\]

Options

• Chlorobenzene

• Benzene sulphonic acid

• Benzenamine

• Isopropyl benzene

Answer 1

Isopropyl benzene

Explanation:

Cumene (isopropylbenzene) on air oxidation in presence of Co-naphthenate gives cumene hydroperoxide, which on hydrolysis with dil. HCI gives phenol and acetone. This is the commercial method of preparation of phenol.