--%>

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 : What is heat capacity and how to

    The temperature reliance of internal energy and enthalpy depends on the heat capacities at constant volume and constant pressure. The internal energy and enthalpy of chemical systems and the energy changes that accompany chemical reactions depend on the

  • Q : M ive me answer of this question. When

    ive me answer of this question. When mercuric iodide is added to the aqueous solution of potassium iodide, the: (a) Freezing point is raised (b) Freezing point is lowered (c) Freezing point does not change (d) Boiling point does not change

  • Q : Net charge of a non-ionized atom

    Describe the net charge of a non-ionized atom?

  • Q : Basic concept Give me answer of this

    Give me answer of this question. The volume of water to be added to 100cm3 of 0.5 N N H2SO4 to get decinormal concentration is : (a) 400 cm3 (b) 500cm3 (c) 450cm3 (d)100cm3

  • Q : Q what is the basicity of primary

    what is the basicity of primary secondary and tertiary amines in chlorobenzene

  • Q : Number of electrons in the benzene

    Describe the number of electrons in the benzene? Write a short note on it?

  • Q : Problem on solutions The 2N aqueous

    The 2N aqueous solution of H2S04 contains: (a) 49 gm of H2S04 per litre of solution (b) 4.9 gm of H2S04 per litre of solution (c) 98 gm of H2S04

  • 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 : Meaning of molality of a solution The

    The molality of a solution will be: (i) Number of moles of solute per 1000 ml of solvent (ii) Number of moles of solute per 1000 gm of solvent (iii) Number of moles of solute per 1000 ml of solution (iv) Number of gram equivalents of solute per 1000 m

  • Q : Forms a molecule to an organic molecule

    Briefly state what forms a molecule to an organic molecule?