Question

The major product obtained on reaction of phenol with sodium hydroxide and CO₂ followed by acidification is 

(a) pthalic acid 

(b) salicylic acid 

(c) benzoic acid 

(d) salicylaldehyde

Answer 1

Answer is (b) salicylic acid

When phenol reacts with sodium hydroxide, reactive sodium phenoxide is formed. So, electrophilic aromatic substitution takes place with CO₂ under a pressure of 4-7 atm followed by acidification and ortho hydrobenzoic acid (salicylic acid) is formed.