Cumene on oxidation in the presence of air gives intermediate A which on reaction with dilute acid gives phenol and a by-product B. The intermediate A and by-product B are
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → Cumene hydroperoxide and acetone
Air oxidation of cumene gives cumene hydroperoxide (A), which dilute acid splits into phenol and acetone (B).
Why the other options are incorrect
Option (1) Cumene hydroxide and ethanol — Incorrect. Air oxidation adds an \( \ce{O2} \) unit (a hydroperoxide), not an –OH group; and the by-product has three carbon atoms, not two.
Option (2) Cumene hydroxide and acetone — Incorrect. Acetone is right, but the intermediate is a hydroperoxide.
Option (3) Cumene hydroperoxide and ethanol — Incorrect. The intermediate is right, but the three-carbon isopropyl part leaves as acetone, not ethanol.
NCERT (2026-27 edition):
From Cumene
