Question

Identify the product when phenol is heated with zinc dust.

• A. Benzoquinone
• B. Cyclohexane
• C. Benzene
• D. Cyclohexanol

Hint:

Logic Tip: This is a standard method for the conversion of phenol to benzene. Whenever you see phenol being heated with a strong reducing metal dust like zinc, expect the hydroxyl group to be entirely removed, leaving behind the bare aromatic ring.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Concept:
Phenol can be reduced to benzene when it is strongly heated with zinc dust. In this reaction, zinc acts as a reducing agent and is oxidized to zinc oxide, removing the oxygen atom from the phenol ring.
Step 1: Write the chemical reaction.
The reaction between phenol ($C_6H_5OH$) and zinc dust ($Zn$) is a classical reduction reaction. $$C_6H_5OH + Zn \xrightarrow{\Delta} C_6H_6 + ZnO$$
Step 2: Identify the main product.
The products of the reaction are benzene ($C_6H_6$) and zinc oxide ($ZnO$). The main organic product formed is benzene.