On distillation with Zn dust, phenol gives :a)acetophenoneb)Benzoic acidc)Benzened)BenzophenoneCorrect answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Question

Answer

When phenol is subjected  to distillation in the presence of zinc, dust the product formed is Benzene.

Answer

Answer

Distillation of Phenol with Zn Dust

Phenol undergoes a reaction with zinc dust during distillation, resulting in the formation of benzene. Let's understand the process in detail.

1. Introduction
Phenol is a compound with a hydroxyl (-OH) group attached to a benzene ring. It can be derived from coal tar or produced synthetically. Distillation is a common method used to purify compounds and separate them from impurities. In this case, distillation is performed with zinc dust as a reducing agent.

2. Reaction
The reaction between phenol and zinc dust is as follows:

Phenol + Zn → Benzene + ZnO

During the distillation process, heat is applied to the mixture of phenol and zinc dust. The zinc dust acts as a reducing agent, removing the oxygen from the phenol molecule and producing benzene. The zinc oxide (ZnO) formed in the process remains as a solid residue.

3. Explanation of the Correct Answer
The correct answer to the question is option 'C' - Benzene. When phenol reacts with zinc dust during distillation, it undergoes a reduction reaction to produce benzene. Therefore, option 'C' is the correct choice.

4. Other Options
a) Acetophenone: Acetophenone is not formed during the distillation of phenol with zinc dust. Acetophenone can be obtained through the Friedel-Crafts acylation reaction between benzene and acetyl chloride or acetic anhydride.

b) Benzoic Acid: Benzoic acid is not formed during the distillation of phenol with zinc dust. Benzoic acid can be obtained through the oxidation of toluene using potassium permanganate or chromic acid.

d) Benzophenone: Benzophenone is not formed during the distillation of phenol with zinc dust. Benzophenone can be synthesized through the Friedel-Crafts acylation reaction between benzene and benzoyl chloride.

5. Conclusion
During the distillation of phenol with zinc dust, the main product formed is benzene. This reaction is an example of a reduction reaction where the oxygen from the phenol molecule is removed by the reducing agent, zinc dust. The resulting product, benzene, is a highly useful compound in various industries.

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