--%>

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 : Real vapour pressure Choose the right

    Choose the right answer from following. The pressure under which liquid and vapour can coexist at equilibrium is called the : (a) Limiting vapour pressure (b) Real vapour pressure (c) Normal vapour pressure (d) Saturated vapour pressure

  • Q : Normality of acetic acid Give me answer

    Give me answer of this question. The normality of 10% (weight/volume) acetic acid is: (a)1 N (b)10 N (c)1.7 N (d) 0.83 N

  • Q : What are the chemical properties of

    Haloalkanes are extremely reactive category of aliphatic compounds. Their reactivity is due to the presence of polar carbon-halogen bond in their mole

  • Q : Solution problem What is the correct

    What is the correct answer. To made a solution of concentration of 0.03 g/ml of AgNO3, what quantity of AgNO3 must be added in 60 ml of solution: (a) 1.8  (b) 0.8  (c) 0.18  (d) None of these

  • Q : Molal elevation constant of water The

    The boiling point of 0.1 molal aqueous solution of urea is 100.18oC  at 1 atm. The molal elevation constant of water is: (a) 1.8    (b) 0.18   (c) 18    (d) 18.6Answer: (a) Kb

  • 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 : Molarity of HCl solution 20 ml of HCL

    20 ml of HCL solution needs 19.85 ml of 0.01M NaOH solution for complete neutralization. Morality of the HCL solution is:  (i) 0.0099 (ii) 0.099 (iii) 0.99 (iv) 9.9 Choose the right answer from above.

  • Q : Number of moles present in water

    Provide solution of this question. How many moles of water are present in 180 of water: (a)1 mole (b)18 mole (c)10 mole (d)100 mole

  • Q : Numerical The volume of water to be

    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 : 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.