PREPARTION OF PHENYL BENZOATE FROM PHENOL

Phenyl benzoate is prepared by reacting phenol with benzoyl chloride in the presence of aqueous sodium hydroxide, a process known as the Schotten-Baumann reaction. This is an example of ester formation where the hydroxyl group of phenol reacts with the acid chloride group of benzoyl chloride, forming the ester phenyl benzoate and releasing hydrochloric acid, which is neutralized by the base. Preparation Steps: Dissolve phenol in aqueous sodium hydroxide to form the phenoxide ion. Slowly add benzoyl chloride with continuous stirring at room temperature. The reaction mixture forms a white precipitate of phenyl benzoate. Stir for 15–30 minutes to ensure complete reaction. Filter the product, wash with cold water, and recrystallize from ethanol or another suitable solvent for purification. This synthesis is a classic example of base-catalyzed esterification and illustrates reactivity differences between phenol and alcohols. Keywords: phenyl benzoate preparation phenol esterification benzoyl chloride reaction Schotten-Baumann reaction organic synthesis aromatic ester lab experiment recrystallization