MP Board · Class 12 · Chemistry · Alcohols, Phenols and EthersWrite the chemical equation for the preparation of phenol from Cumene.

Phenol is industrially prepared by the air oxidation of cumene (isopropylbenzene) in the presence of a cobalt catalyst, which leads to the formation of cumene hydroperoxide. Subsequent acid-catalyzed cleavage of this hydroperoxide yields phenol along with acetone as a valuable byproduct. The chemical equation is represented as follows: C6H5CH(CH3)2 + O2 followed by H3O+ gives C6H5OH + CH3COCH3. This method has gained immense commercial importance because both phenol and acetone are produced simultaneously on a large industrial scale.