Outline a synthesis of cumene from cheap, readily available hydrocarbons. Then synthesize phenol from cumene.

In the first step, we perform the Friedel-Crafts alkylation reaction to obtain cumene by combining benzene and propylene in the presence of a Lewis acid catalyst such as aluminum chloride (AlCl3). Benzene (\(C_6H_6\)) + Propylene (\(C_3H_6\)) + AlCl3 → Cumene (\(C_9H_{12}\)) + HCl + AlCl3 This reaction represents the synthesis of cumene by Friedel-Crafts alkylation, in which the alkyl group of propylene is attached to the benzene ring. The Lewis acid catalyst, AlCl3, helps generate carbocation from propylene that attacks the benzene ring. The chloride ion (Cl-) reacts with the hydrogen in the benzene's ring and forms HCl.

To obtain phenol from cumene, we need to convert cumene into cumene hydroperoxide. The oxidation of cumene is performed by bubbling air (O2) through the solution of cumene. Cumene (\(C_9H_{12}\)) + O2 → Cumene Hydroperoxide (\(C_9H_{12}O_2\)) During this reaction, molecular oxygen is added across the benzylic C-H bond of cumene, and cumene hydroperoxide is formed. This step is a radical reaction and requires a radical initiator like benzoyl peroxide.

Now, we perform the acid-catalyzed cleavage of cumene hydroperoxide to obtain phenol and acetone. The reaction takes place in the presence of a strong acid, such as sulfuric acid (H2SO4). Cumene Hydroperoxide (\(C_9H_{12}O_2\)) + H2SO4 → Phenol (\(C_6H_5OH\)) + Acetone (\(CH_3COCH_3\)) + H2SO4 Under acidic conditions, cumene hydroperoxide rearranges to form phenol and acetone products. This step is an important industrial process since both phenol and acetone are valuable chemicals in the chemical industry. In summary, we have successfully outlined the synthesis of cumene from cheap, readily available hydrocarbons (benzene and propylene) through Friedel-Crafts alkylation. We then synthesized phenol from cumene by forming cumene hydroperoxide through oxidation, followed by an acid-catalyzed cleavage to yield phenol and acetone products.