1.

In Kolbe's reaction, instead of phenol, phenoxide ion is treated with carbon dioxide. Why?

Answer»

SOLUTION :Due to GREATER ability of `-O^(-)` ion (than OH group) to donate electrons to the BENZENE RING, phenoxide ion is more reactive than phenol towards electrophilic aromatic substitution reactions. In other words, phenoxide ion being a strong nucleophile reacts easily with the weak electrophile carbon dioxide to BRING about the electrophilic substitution reaction.


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