Question

Identify product B in the following reaction.
Phenol \(\xrightarrow{\text{NaOH}}\) A \(\xrightarrow{\text{CH}_3\text{I}}\) B

• A. Anisole
• B. Iodobenzene
• C. Toluene
• D. Phenetole

Hint:

Williamson ether synthesis is used to prepare ethers using alkyl halides and alkoxides.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Reaction of phenol with NaOH.
Phenol reacts with NaOH to form sodium phenoxide.
\[ \mathrm{C_6H_5OH + NaOH \rightarrow C_6H_5ONa + H_2O} \]
Step 2: Reaction with methyl iodide.
Sodium phenoxide undergoes Williamson ether synthesis with CH\(_3\)I.
\[ \mathrm{C_6H_5ONa + CH_3I \rightarrow C_6H_5OCH_3 + NaI} \]
Step 3: Identify product B.
The product formed is anisole (methoxybenzene).
Step 4: Conclusion.
Product B is anisole.