Question

Which one of the following reactions gives phenol as a major product?

• A. Reaction of benzene with conc. $HNO _{3}$ and conc. $H _{2} SO _{4}$
• B. Reaction of aniline with $NaNO _{2} / HCl$ in warm water
• C. Reaction of benzene with hot water
• D. Sodium salt of benzoic acid with soda lime reaction

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

Step 1 Aniline treated with $NaNO _{2}$ and $HCl$ form benzene diazonium chloride.

Step 2 Benzene diazonium chloride is hydrolysed by dilute sulphuric acid to for phenol.