When chlorobenzene reacts with sodium hydroxide at 350°C and 150 atmospheric pressure, it gives rise to the formation of:
Correct answer: C. Sodium phenoxide
- A. Sodium chromate
- B. Phenol
- C. Sodium phenoxide
- D. Sodium sulfate
- E. Phenoxide
Explanation
When chlorobenzene (C₆H₅Cl) reacts with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) at 350°C and 150 atmospheric pressure, it undergoes a nucleophilic substitution reaction known as the Dow process, resulting in the formation of sodium phenoxide (C₆H₅ONa). The reaction benefits from the high temperature and pressure, which facilitate the substitution of the chlorine atom with a hydroxide ion. Sodium phenoxide can later be acidified to produce phenol (C₆H₅OH). Other options, such as sodium chromate and sodium sulfate, are incorrect as they are not products of this reaction. Phenol is formed only after further processing of sodium phenoxide, and phenoxide alone does not specify the sodium salt form.
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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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