Question

Which important compound is prepared by using cumene?

• A. Ethanol
• B. Phenol
• C. Propanone
• D. Propene

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

The compound prepared using cumene is phenol. The production of phenol from cumene involves a multi-step process called the cumene process. Here's a concise overview of the process: 

1. Oxidation of Cumene: Cumene, also known as isopropylbenzene, is oxidized in the presence of oxygen to form cumene hydroperoxide.
2. Acid-catalyzed Cleavage: The cumene hydroperoxide is then subjected to an acid-catalyzed cleavage, usually employing an acid such as sulfuric acid. This step results in the formation of phenol and acetone (propanone).
3. Product Separation: The mixture containing phenol and acetone is then separated and purified to obtain pure phenol for use in various industrial applications.

Therefore, the cumene process efficiently converts cumene into phenol, making phenol the primary important compound prepared from cumene.

Answer 2

The reaction for the preparation of phenol is as follows:
C₆H₅C(CH₃)₂ + O₂ → C₆H₅OH + (CH₃)₂CO

In this reaction, cumene (C₆H₅C(CH₃)₂) reacts with oxygen (O₂) to form phenol (C₆H₅OH) and acetone ((CH₃)₂CO). This process is known as the cumene process, which is a widely used industrial method for producing phenol and acetone.

The cumene process involves the alkylation of benzene with propylene to form cumene. Cumene is then oxidized to produce cumene hydroperoxide, which is subsequently cleaved to yield phenol and acetone. The process is efficient and provides a large-scale production of these valuable chemicals, which are important in the manufacture of plastics, resins, and other industrial products.