Explain the following with an example. | Class 12 Chemistry Chapter Alcohols Phenols and Ethers, Alcohols Phenols and Ethers NCERT Solutions

Welcome to the NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Chemistry - Chapter Alcohols Phenols and Ethers. This page offers a step-by-step solution to the specific question from Exercise 2, Question 18: . With detailed answers and explanations for each chapter, students can strengthen their understanding and prepare confidently for exams. Ideal for CBSE and other board students, this resource will simplify your study experience.

Question 18:

Explain the following with an example.

(i) Kolbe's reaction.

(ii) Reimer-Tiemann reaction.

(iii) Williamson ether synthesis.

(iv) Unsymmetrical ether.

Answer:

(i) Kolbe's reaction:

When phenol is treated with sodium hydroxide, sodium phenoxide is produced. This sodium phenoxide when treated with carbon dioxide, followed by acidification, undergoes electrophilic substitution to give ortho-hydroxybenzoic acid as the main product. This reaction is known as Kolbe's reaction.

 

(ii) Reimer-Tiemann reaction:

When phenol is treated with chloroform (CHCl3) in the presence of sodium hydroxide, a -CHO group is introduced at the ortho position of the benzene ring.

This reaction is known as the Reimer-Tiemann reaction.

The intermediate is hydrolyzed in the presence of alkalis to produce salicyclaldehyde.

 

(iii) Williamson ether synthesis:

Williamson ether synthesis is a laboratory method to prepare symmetrical and unsymmetrical ethers by allowing alkyl halides to react with sodium alkoxides.

This reaction involves SN2 attack of the alkoxide ion on the alkyl halide. Better results are obtained in case of primary alkyl halides.

If the alkyl halide is secondary or tertiary, then elimination competes over substitution.

 

(iv) Unsymmetrical ether:

An unsymmetrical ether is an ether where two groups on the two sides of an oxygen atom differ (i.e., have an unequal number of carbon atoms). For example: ethyl methyl ether (CH3-O-CH2CH3).


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  • Read the question carefully and focus on the core concept being asked.
  • Reference examples and data from the chapter when answering questions about Alcohols Phenols and Ethers.
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Comments

  • Kanishk
  • Jul 24, 2018

V effective answers


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Welcome to the NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Chemistry - Chapter . This page offers a step-by-step solution to the specific question from Excercise 2 , Question 18: Explain the following with an example. (i) Kolbe's reaction. (ii) Reimer-Tiemann reaction.....