In the Kolbe-Schmidt reaction designed to synthesize salicylic acid, sodium phenoxide must be heated — Alcohols Phenols and Ethers Chemistry Question
Question
In the Kolbe-Schmidt reaction designed to synthesize salicylic acid, sodium phenoxide must be heated with carbon dioxide gas. To facilitate the electrophilic attack of the weakly electrophilic $CO_2$ molecule on the ring, the reaction is subjected to specific pressurized conditions. What is the pressure utilized in atmospheres ($\text{atm}$)?
💡 Solution & Explanation
Because carbon dioxide ($CO_2$) is a notably weak, uncharged electrophile, the Kolbe-Schmidt reaction requires elevated kinetic conditions to proceed efficiently. The standard industrial and laboratory parameter cited is a temperature of $125^\circ\text{C}$ combined with a pressure of $5\text{ atm}$.