Question

Which important compound is prepared by using cumene?

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

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Phenol is the compound synthesized via the cumene route, a multi-step procedure known as the cumene process. The process is summarized as follows:

1. Cumene Oxidation: Cumene (isopropylbenzene) reacts with oxygen to yield cumene hydroperoxide.
2. Acid-Catalyzed Disruption: Cumene hydroperoxide undergoes acid-catalyzed cleavage, typically with sulfuric acid, yielding phenol and acetone (propanone).
3. Component Isolation: The resultant phenol-acetone mixture is separated and purified to isolate phenol for industrial use.

Consequently, the cumene process effectively transforms cumene into phenol, establishing phenol as the principal product derived from cumene.