Chapter 23, Problem 17P

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The reasonable structure of the compound that results by the reaction of phenol with $\text{1,2-epoxypropane}$ in aqueous sodium hydroxide at $15{\text{0 }}^{\text{ο}}\text{C}$ is to be drawn.

Concept introduction:

Phenols contain hydroxyl $\left(\text{OH}\right)$ functional group attached to an aromatic ring.

Phenol is acidic in nature and in the presence of a strong base such as sodium hydroxide, the formation of phenoxide ion occurs after the abstraction of proton by hydroxide ion. The phenoxide ion acts as a nucleophile.