Name an alkylbenzene widely used as a chemical intermediate in the production of phenol.

Correct Answer Cumene

Key Points

• One alkylbenzene widely used as a chemical intermediate in the production of phenol is cumene (isopropylbenzene).
• Cumene is oxidized to cumene hydroperoxide, which is then cleaved to phenol and acetone.
• This process is known as the cumene process and is one of the most important methods for the commercial production of phenol.

Additional InformationFuran

• Furan is a heterocyclic organic compound, consisting of a five-membered aromatic ring with four carbon atoms and one oxygen atom.
• Chemical compounds containing such rings are also referred to as furans.
• Chemical formula of Furan is C4H4O.
• Furan is a colorless, flammable, highly volatile liquid with a boiling point close to room temperature.

Styrene:

• Styrene is a colourless, flammable liquid, which has a sweet odour and is highly volatile.
• Styrene is widely used to make Polystyrene/Styrofoam plastics containers as well as a number of speciality plastics and synthetic rubbers.
• Besides, it is used to manufacture a variety of products, such as insulation, pipes, automobile parts, printing cartridges, food containers, and carpet backing.
• It is toxic to the nervous system if ingested or inhaled, and contact with the skin and eyes can cause irritation. 
  • Chronic exposure affects the central nervous system showing symptoms such as depression, headache, fatigue, and weakness, and may cause minor effects on kidney function. 
• Acute exposure may also result in gastrointestinal effects.
• It could also lead to cancer and depression in some cases.
• However, EPA notes that there is no sufficient evidence despite several epidemiology studies indicating there may be an association between styrene exposure and an increased risk of leukaemia and lymphoma.
• Recently, the tragic styrene gas leak incident in the LG Polymers plant in Visakhapatnam has affected the health of people of that area.

Toluene:

• Toluene is also an alkylbenzene that is widely used as a chemical intermediate in the production of phenol.
• Toluene is oxidized to benzyl alcohol, which is further oxidized to benzaldehyde.
• Benzaldehyde is then converted to benzoic acid, which is used to produce phenol via the cumene process or other methods.
• So toluene can also be used as a starting material in the production of phenol.