--%>
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 : Describe the function of the

    Briefly describe the function of the monosaccharide?

    		•
  • Q : Explain Rotational Vibrational Spectra

    The infrared spectrum of gas samples shows the effect of rotational-energy changes along with the vibrational energy change.As we know from the interpretations given to thermodynamic properties of gases, gas molecules are simultaneously rotating and vibrating. It follows that an absor

    		•
  • Q : Kinds of insulators Describe all the

    Describe all the kinds of insulators which are present?

    		•
  • Q : What is Spectroscopy? This is a very

    This is a very important aspect of Physical Chemistry in which knowledge of the size, shape, rigidity and electronic structure of molecules deduced from the experimental methods treated here goes hand in hand with the theoretical approaches of chemical reactions. Spec

    		•
  • Q : Facts on evaporation Illustrate the 3

    Illustrate the 3 facts on evaporation?

    		•
  • Q : How can enzymes act as catalyst?

    Enzymes are complex proteinous substances, produced by living bodies, such as act as catalysis in the physiological reactions. The enzymes are, also called biochemical catalysts and the phenomenon is known as bio-chemical catalysis because numerous reactions that occur the bodies of animals and p

    		•
  • Q : What are different mechanisms for

    Nucleophilic substitution reactions in halides containing  - X bond may take place through either of the two different mechanisms,S<

    		•
  • Q : Organic and inorganic substances living

    living beings are made up of organic and inorganic substances.according to their complexity of their molecules how can ach of these substances be classified?

    		•
  • Q : Problem on MM equation How to obtain

    How to obtain relation between Vm and Km,given k(sec^-1) = Vmax/mg of enzyme x molecular weight x 1min/60 sec S* = 4.576(log K -10.753-logT+Ea/4.576T).

    		•
  • Q : Help 1) Chromium(III) hydroxide is

    1) 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. 2) Explain how dissolving t

    		•