Question

The catalyst used in Raschig’s process is
A. \[LiAI{H_4}\]
B. Copper Chloride
C. Sunlight
D. Ethanol/Na

Answer 1

Hint: The Raschig-Hooker process is the chemical method used to create phenol. In the process of making phenol, there are two key processes. First, benzene is chlorinated to produce chlorobenzene, and then chlorobenzene is hydrolysed to produce phenol.

Complete step-by-step answer:In order to know that a catalyst is a chemical that influences the rate of a reaction without itself being affected by it. A chemical procedure for creating phenol is the Raschig-Hookers method. The synthesis of chlorobenzene from benzene, hydrochloric acid, and oxygen, and the subsequent hydrolysis of chlorobenzene to phenol, are the key steps in this interaction. At $250^\circ C$, the materials are first exposed to air using either a copper or iron chloride impulse. Chlorobenzene is then exposed to steam at a temperature $450^\circ C$ over a silicon catalyst in the following stage, where it hydrolysis to produce phenol and hydrogen chloride, which can then be recycled back to the first stage.

Due to its ease in transitioning between the oxidation states of $ + 1$ and $ + 2$, copper chloride is frequently utilized as an oxychlorination catalyst. For the $Cu(II) \to Cu(I)$ system, oxidations employing air or oxygen as the oxidant are especially well regulated and appropriate. By providing the electrophile $[C{l^ - }]$, copper chloride functions as a substance for delivering chlorine atoms. So that the catalytic cycle can continue, oxygen cycles back the subsequent reduction of copper$(II)$ to copper $(I)$, oxidising copper$(I)$ back to copper $(II)$.

Option ‘B’ is correct

Note: Remember the Raschig-Hooker method was preferable to the Dow and Bayer method due to its ability to reuse the hydrogen chloride. Although the reaction occurs at extremely high temperatures in an acidic environment with hydrogen chloride fume, the modern environment should have extremely high corrosion resistance for the reaction.