The major product obtained on interaction of phenol with sodium hydroxide and carbon dioxide is :
(A)benzoic acid
(B)salicylaldehyde
(C)salicylic acid✓ Correct
(D)phthalic acid
Answer: (C)
Solution
This is the Kolbe–Schmidt reaction. Phenol is first turned into sodium phenoxide by sodium hydroxide, and the phenoxide then reacts with carbon dioxide under pressure; acidifying the product introduces a carboxyl group at the position next to the hydroxyl, giving salicylic acid, that is 2-hydroxybenzoic acid, as the major product.
JEE Main · 2009 · 12 Apr 2009 · Offline · Single correct option