Sodium phenoxide when heated with CO₂ under pressure at 125°C yields a product which on acetylation produces C.
The major product C would be:
(A)(see structure)
(B)(see structure)
(C)(see structure)✓ Correct
(D)(see structure)
Answer: (C)
Solution
Heating sodium phenoxide with carbon dioxide under pressure is the Kolbe-Schmitt reaction, and the carboxyl group enters ortho to the oxygen to give salicylate, that is salicylic acid after work-up. Acetylating the phenolic −OH then caps it as an acetate, so the major product C is 2-acetoxybenzoic acid, ordinary aspirin.
JEE Main · 2014 · 06 Apr 2014 · Offline · Single correct option