The reaction for the conversion of phenol into salicylic acid is known as
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → Kolbe's reaction
The reaction shown for the conversion of phenol into salicylic acid is known as the Kolbe-Schmitt reaction, or simply the Kolbe's reaction.
Reaction Summary
- Phenol reacts with a strong base like Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH) to form the highly reactive Sodium Phenoxide ion.
- The Sodium Phenoxide then undergoes an electrophilic substitution reaction with Carbon Dioxide ($CO_2$) under elevated temperature and pressure (Carboxylation). The $CO_2$ acts as a weak electrophile and attacks the ortho position, resulting in the formation of the sodium salt of salicylic acid (sodium salicylate).
- The final step involves acidification ($H^+$) to protonate the salt and yield Salicylic Acid (2-hydroxybenzoic acid).