Which important compound is prepared by using cumene ?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → Phenol
Phenol is made from cumene (isopropylbenzene):
\( \displaystyle \ce{C6H5CH(CH3)2} \xrightarrow{\ce{O2}} \ce{C6H5C(CH3)2-O-OH} \)
\( \displaystyle \ce{C6H5C(CH3)2-O-OH} \xrightarrow{\ce{H+}/\ce{H2O}} \ce{C6H5OH + CH3COCH3} \)
So the important compound prepared from cumene is phenol.
Why the other options are incorrect
Option (3) Propanone — Incorrect. Acetone is formed in this process, but only as a by-product; the process is run to make phenol.
NCERT (2026-27 edition):
From Cumene
