Asked in Premeth Test 22 — Carboxylic Acids, Alcohols and Phenols (24 March 2025) 2025

The reaction of sodium salt of phenol with CO₂ is called:

Correct answer: D. Kolbe-Schmitt reactio

  • A. Williamson synthesis
  • B. Cannizzaro reaction
  • C. Aldol reaction
  • D. Kolbe-Schmitt reactio

Explanation

The reaction of the sodium salt of phenol with CO₂ is called the Kolbe-Schmitt reaction. This reaction is a carboxylation reaction where a carboxyl group (-COOH) is added to the aromatic ring of phenol. The sodium salt of phenol (sodium phenoxide) is more reactive than phenol itself due to the increased electron density on the ring. Here's the general reaction:Sodium phenoxide + CO₂ --(high pressure, high temp)--> Sodium salicylate Sodium salicylate + HCl --> Salicylic acid + NaClSalicylic acid is the main product of the Kolbe-Schmitt reaction. It is an important precursor for the synthesis of aspirin. The other options are incorrect: Williamson synthesis: This reaction is used to synthesize ethers by reacting an alkoxide with a primary alkyl halide. Cannizzaro reaction: This reaction is a disproportionation reaction of aldehydes lacking alpha-hydrogens in the presence of a strong base. Aldol reaction: This reaction involves the reaction of two aldehydes or ketones (at least one with an alpha-hydrogen) in the presence of a base or acid catalyst to form a β-hydroxyaldehyde or β-hydroxyketone.

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About Phenols

Phenols contain a hydroxyl group directly bonded to an aromatic ring, making them more acidic than alcohols because the phenoxide ion is resonance-stabilised. Reactions include ionisation with bases, electrophilic substitution, bromination, nitration and oxidation, with attention to the difference between phenols and aliphatic alcohols.

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