Chemistry - Aromatic Hydrocarbon Question with Solution | TestHub

Explain Question:

The question asks to identify the products A and B formed when Cumene (isopropylbenzene) is oxidized by O₂ followed by acid-catalyzed hydrolysis.

Concept:

Cumene Process, Oxidation, Acid-Catalyzed Hydrolysis, Phenol Synthesis, Acetone Production

Solution:

1. Step 1 (Oxidation): Cumene reacts with air (O₂) under pressure to form Cumene Hydroperoxide (C₆H₅C(CH₃)₂OOH).

2. Step 2 (Hydrolysis): Treatment with dilute acid (H⁺/H₂O) triggers a rearrangement where the phenyl group migrates to the oxygen atom.

3. Products: The intermediate breaks down into two major industrial products: Phenol (C₆H₅OH) and Acetone (CH₃COCH₃).