Compound `Ph-O-overset(O)overset(||)(C)-Ph` can be prepared by the reaction of _____________.

Options

A. Phenol and benzoic acid in the presence of NaOH
B. phenol and benzoyl chloride in the presence of pyridine
C. phenol and benzoyl chloride in the presence of `ZnCl_(2)`
D. phenol and benzaldehyde in the presence of palladium

Explanation

To prepare the compound `Ph-O-C(=O)-Ph` (which is diphenyl ether with a carbonyl group), we need to analyze the given options and determine which reaction will yield the desired product.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Identify the Structure**: The compound `Ph-O-C(=O)-Ph` consists of two phenyl groups (Ph) connected by an oxygen atom (O) and a carbonyl group (C=O). This indicates that we are looking for a reaction that introduces both the ether and the carbonyl functionalities.

2. **Evaluate Option A**:
- **Reactants**: Phenol and benzoic acid in the presence of sodium hydroxide (NaOH).
- **Reaction**: Phenol (Ph-OH) is acidic, and benzoic acid is also acidic. When mixed with NaOH, they will form sodium salts (sodium phenoxide and sodium benzoate) but will not yield the desired compound.
- **Conclusion**: This option will not produce the required compound.

3. **Evaluate Option B**:
- **Reactants**: Phenol and benzoyl chloride in the presence of pyridine.
- **Reaction**:
- Pyridine acts as a base and can deprotonate phenol to form phenoxide ion (Ph-O⁻).
- The phenoxide ion then acts as a nucleophile and attacks the electrophilic carbon of benzoyl chloride (C(=O)-Cl).
- This leads to the formation of the desired compound `Ph-O-C(=O)-Ph` after the chloride ion (Cl⁻) leaves.
- **Conclusion**: This option will produce the required compound.

4. **Evaluate Option C**:
- **Reactants**: Phenol and benzoyl chloride in the presence of zinc chloride (ZnCl₂).
- **Reaction**: Zinc chloride is a Lewis acid and does not act as a base to deprotonate phenol. Therefore, it cannot generate the phenoxide ion needed for nucleophilic attack.
- **Conclusion**: This option will not yield the desired compound.

5. **Evaluate Option D**:
- **Reactants**: Phenol and benzaldehyde in the presence of palladium.
- **Reaction**: Palladium is a metal catalyst often used in coupling reactions, but it does not facilitate the formation of the carbonyl compound from phenol and benzaldehyde.
- **Conclusion**: This option will not produce the required compound.

### Final Conclusion:
The correct answer is **Option B**: Phenol and benzoyl chloride in the presence of pyridine can be used to prepare the compound `Ph-O-C(=O)-Ph`.

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