Cumene process
Cumene is oxidised by air to cumene hydroperoxide, which is converted by dilute acid to phenol and propanone.
CumeneC₆H₅CH(CH₃)₂Arene - Step 1
(i) O₂ (ii) H₃O⁺
PhenolC₆H₅OHPhenol
How it works
- Air oxidises the tertiary benzylic C-H bond to the hydroperoxide.
- In acid, the phenyl group migrates to oxygen.
- Hydrolysis gives phenol and propanone.
What it makes
Phenol (the main industrial route) and propanone.
Where it fails
Cumene itself comes from benzene and propene.
Class 12, Chapter 7 Alcohols, Phenols and Ethers
Cumene process: quick answers
What are the two products?
Phenol and propanone.
How is cumene made?
By Friedel-Crafts alkylation of benzene with propene (or n-propyl chloride).
Why is it commercially important?
It makes both phenol and propanone in one process.