Name the compound which forms phenol when oxidized by atmospheric oxygen in the presence of a metal catalyst:

Explanation

The compound that forms phenol when oxidized by atmospheric oxygen in the presence of a metal catalyst is cumene (isopropylbenzene). This process is known as the Hock process or the cumene process, and it's the primary industrial method for producing phenol and acetone.Here's a simplified overview of the reaction:Oxidation of Cumene: Cumene is oxidized by air (oxygen) in the presence of a radical initiator to form cumene hydroperoxide. Acid-Catalyzed Cleavage: The cumene hydroperoxide is then treated with dilute acid (usually sulfuric acid), which causes it to cleave, producing phenol and acetone. The reaction is as follows:C₆H₅CH(CH₃)₂ (Cumene) + O₂ → C₆H₅C(CH₃)₂OOH (Cumene hydroperoxide)C₆H₅C(CH₃)₂OOH --(H⁺)--> C₆H₅OH (Phenol) + CH₃COCH₃ (Acetone)