Chemistry Alcohols & Phenols SZABMU 2024
PMDC Verified Question 12 of 95
Name the compound which forms phenol, when it is oxidized by atmosphere oxygen in the presence of metal catalyst? (Out of syllabus)
A
Cumene
B
Benzene
C
Toluene
D
Aniline
Tap any option to test your recall and reveal the step-by-step Propolis autopsy.

Propolis Cognitive Error Autopsy

Official Correct Choice:
Option A: Cumene
Concept:

The modern industrial synthesis of phenol and acetone is dominated by a specific autoxidation pathway utilizing an alkylbenzene.

Formula:

$$ \text{C}_6\text{H}_5\text{CH}(\text{CH}_3)_2 \xrightarrow{\text{O}_2} \text{Cumene hydroperoxide} \xrightarrow{\text{H}^+} \text{Phenol} + \text{Acetone} $$

Solution:

  • Isopropylbenzene is commonly known as Cumene.


  • When cumene is oxidized by air, it forms cumene hydroperoxide.


  • Subsequent acidic cleavage yields phenol and acetone as a highly valuable co-product.


Why other options are incorrect:

Benzene requires the harsh Dow process (chlorination then hydrolysis). Toluene oxidation yields benzoic acid. Aniline oxidation yields complex quinones/tars.

Quality & Fidelity Assurance: Every question on BeambePrep is rigorously curated against the official PMDC syllabus with zero filler, zero out-of-syllabus content, and zero typos. When an authentic past paper originally contained a historical mistake or ambiguity from the examining board (such as UHS or NUMS), BeambePrep faithfully reflects the original paper while detailing the nuance and scientific consensus in the autopsy above.

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