The benzoylation of phenol in alkaline medium refers to the reaction of phenol with benzoyl chloride (or another benzoylating agent) in the presence of a base (often sodium hydroxide). This reaction is a typical example of a nucleophilic acyl substitution, and it can be best described by the Schotten-Baumann reaction.
Explanation of the Correct Answer:
C) Schotten-Baumann reaction: This reaction involves the acylation of phenolic compounds, where a phenol reacts with an acid chloride in the presence of a base. In this case, phenol reacts with benzoyl chloride in the presence of an alkaline medium (like NaOH), leading to the formation of benzoyl phenol (a phenyl ester of benzoic acid).
Reasons for Excluding Other Options:
A) Friedel-Craft reaction: This reaction refers to the alkylation or acylation of aromatic compounds using alkyl halides or acyl halides, typically involving the formation of carbocations or acylium ions. While benzoylation can occur via Friedel-Crafts acylation, it usually does not involve phenols as the starting material.
B) Wurtz-Fittig reaction: This reaction is a coupling reaction that involves the reaction of aryl halides with sodium in the presence of an ether solvent to form biaryl compounds. It is not related to benzoylation.
D) Sabatier-Senderens reductions: This process involves the hydrogenation of organic compounds using a catalyst, typically in the presence of hydrogen. This is unrelated to the acylation of phenols.
Conclusion:
Thus, the correct answer is C) Schotten-Baumann reaction. This reaction specifically describes the benzoylation of phenol in an alkaline medium, making it the appropriate choice for this question.