Chapter 21, Problem 28P

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The reason for “the formation of two byproducts, diphenyl ether and 4-hydroxybiphenol, in the Dow process for the production of phenol” is to be explained.

Concept introduction:

Electrophiles are electron-deficient species, which has positive or partially positive charge. Lewis acids are electrophiles that accept electron pair.

Nucleophiles are electron-rich species, which has negative or partially negative charge. Lewis bases are nucleophiles that donate electron pair.

Free radical is an atom, molecule or ion that has an unpaired electron, which makes it highly chemically reactive.

Substitution reaction: A reaction in which one of the hydrogen atoms of a hydrocarbon or a functional group is substituted by any other functional group is called substitution reaction.

Elimination reaction: A reaction in which two substituent groups are detached and a double bond is formed is called elimination reaction.

Addition reaction: It is the reaction in which unsaturated bonds are converted to saturated molecules by the addition of molecules.

The Dow process is the process of formation of phenol from benzene. In this process, first, benzene is converted into chlorobenzene, which is further hydrolyzed with a base to form phenoxide ions. This is followed by acidification, leading to the formation of phenol.