The nucleophilic aromatic substitution () of chlorobenzene in Dow's process requires extremely harsh — Alcohols Phenols and Ethers Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

Dow's process proceeds via an elimination-addition mechanism. The strong base removes an ortho-proton and expels the chloride ion, forming a highly unstable benzyne intermediate (a benzene ring with a formal triple bond), which is then rapidly attacked by hydroxide.