Benzoylation of phenol with benzoyl chloride in the presence of dilute `NaOH` gives phenyl benzoate. This reaction is an example of

Options

A. Friedel - Crafts reaction
B. Reimer - Tiemann reaction
C. Clasien - Schmidt reaction
D. Schotten - Baumann reaction

Explanation

To solve the question regarding the benzoylation of phenol with benzoyl chloride in the presence of dilute NaOH, we will follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Identify the Reactants**:
- The reactants in this reaction are phenol (C6H5OH) and benzoyl chloride (C6H5COCl).

2. **Understand the Reaction Conditions**:
- The reaction takes place in the presence of dilute sodium hydroxide (NaOH), which provides a basic medium.

3. **Mechanism of the Reaction**:
- In a basic medium, the hydroxide ion (OH-) from NaOH acts as a nucleophile.
- The lone pair of electrons on the oxygen atom of phenol attacks the carbonyl carbon of benzoyl chloride, leading to the formation of a tetrahedral intermediate.

4. **Formation of the Intermediate**:
- The tetrahedral intermediate is formed when the oxygen atom of phenol attacks the carbonyl carbon of benzoyl chloride. This results in the displacement of the chloride ion (Cl-).

5. **Elimination of the Leaving Group**:
- The intermediate collapses, leading to the elimination of the chloride ion and the formation of the ester bond.

6. **Final Product Formation**:
- The final product of this reaction is phenyl benzoate (C6H5COOC6H5), which is an ester formed from the reaction of phenol and benzoyl chloride.

7. **Identify the Type of Reaction**:
- The reaction is classified as a **Scotton-Baumann reaction**, which specifically refers to the benzoylation of phenol.

### Conclusion:
The benzoylation of phenol with benzoyl chloride in the presence of dilute NaOH gives phenyl benzoate, and this reaction is an example of the **Scotton-Baumann reaction**.

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