Which one of the following products is formed by the oxidation of phenol with chromic acid?
[amp_mcq option1=”1,4-Benzoquinone” option2=”1,2-Benzoquinone” option3=”Benzoic acid” option4=”Diphenyl ether” correct=”option1″]
This question was previously asked in
UPSC Geoscientist – 2023
The correct answer is 1,4-Benzoquinone.
Phenol can be oxidized to quinones. Chromic acid (H₂CrO₄), typically generated in situ from K₂Cr₂O₇ or CrO₃ in acidic solution, is a strong oxidizing agent. Oxidation of phenol with strong oxidizing agents like chromic acid generally results in the formation of p-benzoquinone (1,4-benzoquinone). The hydroxyl group is oxidized, and the aromatic ring is modified to form a conjugated cyclic diketone structure.