How is phenol converted into salicylic acid. Give chemical equation?
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To convert phenol into salicylic acid, a hydroxyl (-OH) group needs to be introduced into the benzene ring of phenol. This can be achieved through a process called Kolbe-Schmitt reaction. Here's the chemical equation:
Phenol + Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH) → Sodium Phenoxide + Water
Sodium Phenoxide + Carbon Dioxide (CO2) → Salicylate
Salicylate + Acidification → Salicylic Acid
Let's break down the steps involved in the conversion:
1. Phenol reacts with sodium hydroxide (NaOH), resulting in the formation of sodium phenoxide and water. The hydroxyl group of NaOH replaces one of the hydrogen atoms of phenol, leading to the formation of sodium phenoxide.
C6H5OH (Phenol) + NaOH → C6H5ONa (Sodium Phenoxide) + H2O
2. Sodium phenoxide is then subjected to a reaction with carbon dioxide (CO2), leading to the formation of salicylate or sodium salicylate, an intermediate compound.
C6H5ONa (Sodium Phenoxide) + CO2 → C6H4(ONa)COOH (Salicylate)
3. Finally, the salicylate is acidified to obtain salicylic acid. This process involves the addition of an acidic solution to the salicylate, leading to the protonation of the carboxyl group and the subsequent formation of salicylic acid.
C6H4(ONa)COOH (Salicylate) + Acidification → C6H4(OH)COOH (Salicylic Acid)
Thus, by following these steps, phenol can be converted into salicylic acid.