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Phenol is industrially manufactured (worldwide majority) from:
AChlorobenzene + NaOH at high T, P (Dow process)
BBenzenesulphonic acid + molten NaOH
CBenzene + concentrated H₂SO₄
DCumene (isopropylbenzene) — air oxidation to cumene hydroperoxide, then dilute acid → phenol + acetone (a useful by-product)
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: D. Cumene (isopropylbenzene) — air oxidation to cumene hydroperoxide, then dilute acid → phenol + acetone (a useful by-product)
**Cumene process** dominates: **isopropylbenzene + O₂ → cumene hydroperoxide → (dil. H₂SO₄) → phenol + acetone**. Acetone is a valuable co-product. Other methods (chlorobenzene/Dow, benzenesulphonate fusion, diazonium hydrolysis) are used for smaller-scale or specialty production.
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