Consider the following reaction : Phenol Zn dust X [Anhyd. AlCl3]CH3Cl Y Alkaline KMnO4 Z the product Z is
- benzaldehyde
- benzoic acid
- benzene
- toluene
Answer
(2) benzoic acid
Solution
As per NCERT, phenol on heating with zinc dust is reduced to benzene.
C6H5OH + Zn C6H6 + ZnO X = benzene
Friedel–Crafts alkylation: C6H6 + CH3Cl Anhyd. AlCl3 C6H5CH3 + HCl Y = toluene
Alkaline KMnO4 oxidises the side chain to –COOH:
C6H5CH3 KMnO4/KOH C6H5COOK H3O+ C6H5COOH Z = benzoic acid
Answer: (2)