--%>
Assignment Help - homework help

What are methods of phenol preparation and its uses?

Phenol was initially obtained by fractional distillation of coal-tar. Phenol is present in the middle oil fraction in the distillation of coal-tar. Now-a-days, it is manufactured from cumene (isopropyl benzene).
    
From cumene

The starting material for the preparation of phenol is cumene (isopropyl benzene). Cumene itself is prepared by Friedel-Craft alkylation of benzene with propene. Cumene is oxidized through air to cumene hydroperoxide, which after treatment with dilute sulphuric acid provides phenol and acetone.

2379_Phenol preparation.png 
    
From benzene (Raschig process)

The method involves heating of benzene, HCl and air over a catalyst (mixture of CuCl2 and FeCl2) at 500 K when chlorobenzene is produced. It is then heated with super heated steam at 750 K to give phenol.

719_Phenol preparation1.png 

Another new method for synthesis of phenol is to pass benzene and air over V2O5 at 600 K when benzene is directly oxidized to phenol.

1637_Phenol preparation2.png 

Uses of phenol
    
In the manufacture of drugs like salicylic acid, pheacetin, aspirin, salol etc.
    
For the manufacture of Bakelite by polymerizing with formaldehyde.
    
For the manufacture of phenolphthalein, picric acid.
    
As a additive for ink.
    
For the manufacture of cyclohexanol used as solvent for rubber.
    
As a strong antiseptic in soaps, lotions etc.
    
Phenol is used in the manufacture of herbicides such as '2, 4-D' and germicides such as "TCP".

   Related Questions in Chemistry

  • Q : Molarity of cane sugar solution 171 g

    171 g of cane sugar (C12H22O11)  is dissolved in one litre of water. Find the molarity of the solution: (i) 2.0 M (ii) 1.0 M (iii) 0.5 M (iv) 0.25 M Choose the right answer from above.

    		•
  • Q : Molarity of acid solution If 20ml of

    If 20ml of 0.4N, NaoH solution completely neutralises 40ml of a dibasic acid. The molarity of the acid solution is: (a) 0.1M (b) 0.2M  (c) 0.3M (d) 0.4M Choose the right answer fron above.

    		•
  • Q : Group IV Cations Chromium(III)

    Chromium(III) hydroxide is highly insoluble in distilled water but dissolves readily in either acidic or basic solution. Briefly explain why the compound can dissolve in acidic or in basic but not in neutral solution. Write appropriate equations to support your answer.

    		•
  • Q : Symmetry Elements The symmetry of the

    The symmetry of the molecules can be described in terms of electrons of symmetry and the corresponding symmetry operations.Clearly some molecules, like H2O and CH4, are symmetric. Now w

    		•
  • Q : Explain the polymers and its types.

    Polymers are the chief products of modern chemical industry which form the backbone of present society. Daily life without the discovery and varied applications of polymers would not have been easier and colourful. The materials made of polymers find multifarious uses and applications in all walk

    		•
  • Q : Coordination number of a cation The

    The coordination number of a cation engaging a tetrahedral hole is: (a) 6  (b) 8  (c) 12  (d) 4 Answer: (d) The co-ordination number of a cation occupying a tetrahedral hole is 4.

    		•
  • Q : Relative lowering of the vapour pressure

    Choose the right answer from following.The relative lowering of the vapour pressure is equal to the ratio between the number of: (a) Solute moleules and solvent molecules (b) Solute molecules and the total molecules in the solution (c) Solvent molecules and the tota

    		•
  • Q : Entropy is entropy on moleculare basis

    is entropy on moleculare basis relates to the tras.,vib.,and rotational motions?

    		•
  • Q : Determining concentration in ppm A 500

    A 500 gm tooth paste sample has 0.2g fluoride concentration. Determine the concentration of F in terms of ppm level: (a) 250 (b) 200 (c) 400 (d) 1000Answer: (c) F-ions in ppm = (0.2/500) x 106 = 400

    		•
  • Q : What do you mean by the term hydra What

    What do you mean by the term hydra? Briefly define it.

    		•