Question

Identify the product (\(X\)) formed in the following reaction.
\[C_6H_5OH + CH_3COOH \xrightarrow{H^+} X\]

• A. \(C_6H_5O - CO - CH_3\)
• B. \(C_6H_5 - CH_3\)
• C. \(C_6H_5 - O - CH_3\)
• D. \(C_6H_5 - COO - CH_3\)

Hint:

Phenol is a weak nucleophile, so direct esterification with carboxylic acid is slow. In many exam questions, the product is still shown as the ester. For real synthesis, phenol requires acid chlorides or anhydrides.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
Phenol (\(C_6H_5OH\)) reacts with acetic acid (\(CH_3COOH\)) in the presence of an acid catalyst (\(H^+\)) to form product X.

Step 2: Key Formula or Approach:
This is an esterification reaction (Fischer esterification) but phenols are less reactive than alcohols. Under strong acidic conditions and heating, phenols can form esters with carboxylic acids. The product is phenyl acetate.

Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
- Option (A): \(C_6H_5O-CO-CH_3\) is phenyl acetate – an ester formed by condensation of phenol and acetic acid.
- Option (B): \(C_6H_5-CH_3\) is toluene – not possible from this reaction.
- Option (C): \(C_6H_5-O-CH_3\) is anisole (methyl phenyl ether) – would require methylation, not esterification.
- Option (D): \(C_6H_5-COO-CH_3\) is methyl benzoate – would come from benzoic acid and methanol, not from phenol and acetic acid.
Thus, the expected product is phenyl acetate.

Step 4: Final Answer:
Product X is \(C_6H_5O-CO-CH_3\), option (A).