MHT CET202520 Apr 2025Morning ShiftChemistryAlcohols Phenols and EthersActual
Identify the substrate ' X ' in the following reaction. X + (air) O ₂ [ ii) dil HCl ] i) Co-naphthenate 423 ~K phenol + Acetone
Options
- AChlorobenzene
- BBenzene sulphonic acid
- CBenzenamine
- DIsopropyl benzene
Correct answer
D. Isopropyl benzene
Step-by-step solution
Identification of substrate X: The reaction yields phenol and acetone through the industrial Cumene Process. Cumene (isopropyl benzene) undergoes oxidation with O₂ using a cobalt catalyst at 423 K to form cumene hydroperoxide: C₆H₅CH(CH₃)₂ + O₂ Co-naphthenate, 423 K C₆H₅C(CH₃)₂OOH . Subsequent acid-catalyzed cleavage with dilute HCl under heating produces the final products: C₆H₅C(CH₃)₂OOH dil HCl, C₆H₅OH + CH₃COCH₃ . The substrate X is thus confirmed as isopropyl benzene. The correct answer is D .