Kolbe Schmitt Reaction is the process of preparing Salicylic Acid (hydroxybenzoic acid) by reacting phenol with carbon dioxide in an alkaline medium under pressure. Koble Schmitt reaction is profusely used in Aromatic Conversions as it helps in adding one carbon to the aromatic ring.
Mechanism:
- In NaOH medium, Phenol forms phenoxide ion. The negative charge gets localized in the benzene ring, making it quite stable.
- When the negative ion remains in the ortho position, it combines with the carbon atom of carbon dioxide. Probably due to the formation of the 6 membered ring it happens.
- Finally, Protonation takes place .
Try out the following conversions
