Identify the final product obtained when a mixture of vapours of phenol and hydrogen is passed over nickel catalyst at 433 K .

Step-by-step solution

Catalytic hydrogenation of phenol under nickel catalyst at 433 , K results in saturation of the aromatic ring while preserving the hydroxyl group. The benzene ring undergoes complete hydrogenation, requiring 3 equivalents of H ₂ : C ₆ H ₅ OH + 3 H ₂ Ni, 433 K C ₆ H ₁₁ OH . This yields cyclohexanol, where the aromatic system is reduced to a saturated cyclohexane ring with the - OH group retained. Partial reduction or deoxygenation does not occur under these conditions. Final answer: A