Detailed Summary
This section covers the preparation of phenols, highlighting various methods by which phenols can be synthesized. Phenols, known for their utility in the pharmaceutical and chemical industries, can be derived from:
- Haloarenes: Reacting chlorobenzene with sodium hydroxide under high temperature and pressure produces phenol, which is later acidified.
- Benzene Sulphonic Acid: Sulphonation of benzene with oleum produces benzene sulphonic acid, and heating this with sodium hydroxide forms sodium phenoxide, which yields phenol after acidification.
- Diazonium Salts: Treatment of an aromatic primary amine with nitrous acid generates diazonium salts. These compounds can be hydrolyzed to yield phenols.
- Cumene: A significant industrial method involves the oxidation of cumene (isopropylbenzene) to cumene hydroperoxide, which is hydrolyzed to phenol and acetone.
These synthesized phenols are crucial in numerous applications, serving as components in antiseptics, detergents, and pharmaceutical compounds.