How can phenol be converted to aspirin ?

Explanation

To convert phenol to aspirin, we will follow a two-step process: first converting phenol to salicylic acid, and then acetylating salicylic acid to form aspirin. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the process:

### Step 1: Conversion of Phenol to Salicylic Acid

1. **React Phenol with Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH)**:
- Phenol (C6H5OH) is treated with sodium hydroxide (NaOH). The hydroxide ion (OH-) from NaOH will deprotonate the hydroxyl group of phenol, forming a phenoxide ion (C6H5O-).
- **Reaction**:
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