What happens when phenol is oxidised with Na₂Cr₂O₇/ H⁺? Write a chemical equation in support of your answer.

When phenol is oxidized using sodium dichromate (Na₂Cr₂O₇) in an acidic environment (H⁺), it undergoes a transformation to form a compound known as quinone. This reaction involves the loss of hydrogen atoms from the phenol molecule, resulting in the formation of a carbonyl group.

Chemical Reaction

The balanced chemical equation for this oxidation process can be represented as follows:

C₆H₅OH + Na₂Cr₂O₇ + 4 H⁺ → C₆H₄O₂ + 2 Na⁺ + 2 Cr³⁺ + 2 H₂O

Key Points

• Phenol (C₆H₅OH) is oxidized to form a quinone (C₆H₄O₂).
• Sodium dichromate acts as the oxidizing agent.
• The reaction occurs in an acidic medium.

This oxidation reaction is significant in organic chemistry, as it illustrates how simple aromatic compounds can be transformed into more complex structures through oxidation. Quinones have various applications in dyes, pharmaceuticals, and as intermediates in chemical synthesis.