What is the main product in the reaction between benzene (C6H6) and oleum followed by reaction with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and a proton (H+)?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
Benzene is sulphonated with oleum and benzene sulphonic acid so formed is converted to sodium phenoxide on heating with molten sodium hydroxide. Acidification of the sodium salt gives phenol.
C6H6 + oleum ---> C6H5-SO3H + NaOH/H+ -----> C6H5OH