Write the principal reaction product or products, if any, of \(0-\) cresol with \(\mathrm{CO}_{2}, \mathrm{~K}_{2} \mathrm{CO}_{3}, 240^{\circ}\)

Short Answer

Expert verified
The principal reaction product of o-cresol with CO2 and K2CO3 at 240°C is o-hydroxybenzoic acid, formed via the Kolbe-Schmitt reaction.

Step by step solution

01

Identify the reactants and reaction conditions

We have o-cresol as our main reactant, which has the chemical formula C7H8O and structure of a phenolic compound with a methyl group at the ortho position. The reaction conditions include the presence of carbon dioxide (CO2) and potassium carbonate (K2CO3) at a temperature of 240°C.
02

Determine the role of K2CO3 and CO2 in the reaction

Under the given reaction conditions, potassium carbonate (K2CO3) will first react with o-cresol to form an o-cresolate salt. This is because K2CO3, as a base, will deprotonate the acidic phenolic hydroxyl group of o-cresol. After deprotonation, the phenoxide formed can react with the carbon dioxide (CO2); the o-cresolate salt will act as a nucleophile and CO2 as an electrophile.
03

Identify the reaction type and expected product(s)

The reaction between the o-cresolate salt and CO2 under increasing temperature is known as the Kolbe-Schmitt reaction or carboxylation reaction. This type of reaction results in the formation of a salicylic acid derivative. In this particular case, with o-cresol as the starting phenol, the product will be o-hydroxybenzoic acid, along with the release of K2CO3. The overall reaction can be represented as: o-Cresol + K2CO3 + CO2 -> o-Hydroxybenzoic acid + 2 K2CO3 (at 240°C)

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