Question

Reaction of phenol with $NaOH $ followed by heating with $CO_2$ under high pressure, and subsequent acidification gives compound $X$ as the major product, which can be purified by steam distillation. When reacted with acetic anhydride in the presence of a trace amount of conc. $H_2 SO_4$, compound $X$ produces $Y$ as the major product. Compound $Y$ is

• A.
• B.
• C.
• D.

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

Reaction of phenol with $NaOH$ followed by heating with $CO_2$ under high pressure and subsequent acidification gives salicyclic acid $(X)$ as the major product, which can be purified by steam distillation. When reacted with acetic anhydride in presence of a trace amount of conc. $H_2SO_4$, compound $X$ produces methyl salicyclate $(Y)$ as the major product.