Phenol is obtained industrially in large quantity by the
- A. hydration of benzene
- B. oxidation of toluene
- C. cumene process, which also yields propanone
- D. fermentation of glucose
Explanation
Benzene is alkylated with propene to give cumene, which is oxidised and then cleaved with acid into phenol and propanone, so two useful products come from one process and it dominates world production. Benzene cannot simply be hydrated, since the ring resists addition. Phenol is the starting material for resins, aspirin and polycarbonates.
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