Question

How do you convert phenol to chlorobenzene?

Answer 1

Hint: We need to know that the phenol is an aromatic organic chemical compound having the molecular formula, ${C_6}{H_5}OH$. It is a white crystalline solid and volatile in nature. The phenol contains one phenyl group and one hydroxyl group. The hydroxyl group is attached with the phenyl ring. And it is slightly acidic in nature. The chlorobenzene is an aromatic organic chemical compound having the molecular formula, ${C_6}{H_5}Cl$. Here, the chlorine group is attached with the aromatic ring.

Complete answer:
As we know, the phenol is converted to chlorobenzene by using two steps. First we have to prepare benzene from the phenol. After that, it converts into chlorobenzene.
First the phenol is reacted with the zinc dust, then there is a formation of benzene. And this benzene is further reacted in the presence of chlorine gas and iron \[\left( {III} \right)\] chloride. The reaction can be written as,

When the powdered zinc duct is added to the phenol, the zinc will react with the oxygen which is present in the phenol and there is a formation of zinc oxide. And the hydrogen free radical is formed from the hydrogen ion which is joined with the phenyl radical and will get the benzene. Further, the benzene is reacted with the chlorine gas and iron \[\left( {III} \right)\] chloride. Then the chlorine will break and form the radicals. One chlorine will attach the iron \[\left( {III} \right)\] chloride to form $FeC{l_4}$ and other chlorine will attack the benzene ring and form chlorobenzene.

Note:
We need to know that the chlorobenzene is prepared from the phenol by the reaction of phenol with zinc dust. Then I will get benzene as the first product. Then this benzene is reacted with chlorine gas and $FeC{l_3}$ to form chlorobenzene. Here, the phenol is converted into benzene by a reduction process. The phenol can be converted into phenol by the reaction of chlorobenzene with sodium hydroxide at high pressure and temperature.