--%>

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 : Quantum Mechanical Operators The

    The quantum mechanical methods, illustrated previously by the Schrödinger equation, are extended by the use of operators. Or, w

  • Q : Preparation of ammonium sulphate Select

    Select the right answer of the question. Essential quantity of ammonium sulphate taken for preparation of 1 molar solution in 2 litres is: (a)132gm (b)264gm (c) 198gm (d) 212gm

  • Q : Quastion of finding vapour pressure

    Vapour pressure of CCl425Degree C at is 143mm of Hg0.5gm of a non-volatile solute (mol. wt. = 65) is dissolved in 100ml CCl4 .Find the vapour pressure of the solution (Density of CCl4 = = 1.58g /cm2): (a)141.43mm (b)

  • Q : Problem on Molar solution Can someone

    Can someone please help me in getting through this problem. 2.0 molar solution is acquired, when 0.5 mole solute is dissolved in: (i) 250 ml solvent (ii) 250 g solvent (iii) 250 ml solution (iv) 1000 ml solvent

  • Q : Pressure Phase Diagrams The occurrence

    The occurrence of different phases of a one component system can be shown on a pressure temperature. The phases present in a one line system at various temperatures can be conveniently presented on a P- versus-T diagram. An example is pro

  • Q : Problem on moles of solution The number

    The number of moles of a solute in its solution is 20 and total no. of moles are 80. The mole fraction of solute wil be: (a) 2.5 (b) 0.25 (c) 1 (d) 0.75

  • Q : Hybridization Atomic orbitals can be

    Atomic orbitals can be combined, in a process called hybridization, to describe the bonding in polyatomic molecules. Descriptions of the bonding in CH4 can be used to illustrate the valence bond procedure. We must arrive a

  • Q : Which solution will have highest

    Which solution will have highest boiling point:(a) 1% solution of glucose in water  (b) 1% solution of sodium chloride in water  (c) 1% solution of zinc sulphate in water  (d) 1% solution of urea in waterAnswer: (b) Na

  • Q : Entropy is entropy on moleculare basis

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

  • Q : Relative lowering of vapour pressure

    Which of the following solutions will have a lower vapour pressure and why? a) A 5% aqueous solution of cane sugar. b) A 5% aqueous solution of urea.