Moderate

Phenol on treatment with dimethyl sulphate in presence of NaOH gives:

Correct answer: B. Anisole

  • A. Phenate
  • B. Anisole
  • C. Diphenyl ether
  • D. Diethyl ether

Explanation

This reaction is an example of the Williamson ether synthesis. Phenol is first deprotonated by NaOH to form the sodium phenoxide ion, which then acts as a nucleophile, attacking the dimethyl sulfate to form anisole (methoxybenzene)

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About Alcohols and Phenols

Alcohols are classified as primary, secondary or tertiary and studied through their hydrogen bonding, acidity, oxidation and reactions with active metals, acids and halogenating agents. Phenols require separate treatment because the hydroxyl group is attached to an aromatic ring, making their acidity and electrophilic substitution different from ordinary alcohols.

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