The commercial preparation of phenol from cumene (isopropylbenzene) involves an initial reaction wit — Alcohols Phenols and Ethers Chemistry Question
Question
The commercial preparation of phenol from cumene (isopropylbenzene) involves an initial reaction with oxygen followed by acidic hydrolysis. According to the reference material, what is the specific mechanistic pathway for the initial oxidation step forming cumene hydroperoxide?
Answer: C
💡 Solution & Explanation
The sources explicitly state that the preparation of phenol from cumene proceeds via a peroxide radical mechanism. Oxygen attacks the benzylic position via a free radical pathway to form cumene hydroperoxide, which is then cleaved by acid.
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