Chapter 4, Problem 68P

Hydrocarbons like benzene are metabolized in the body to arene oxides, which rearrange to form

phenols. This is an example of a general process in the body, in which an unwanted compound

(benzene) is converted to a more water-soluble derivative called a metabolite, so that it can be

excreted more readily from the body.

a. Classify each of these reactions as oxidation, reduction, or neither.

b. Explain why phenol is more water soluble than benzene. This means that phenol dissolves in urine, which is largely water, to a greater extent than benzene.