Conversion of Phenol into salicylic acid

Explanation

To convert phenol into salicylic acid, we can follow a three-step process known as the Kolbe-Schmidt reaction. Here’s the step-by-step breakdown:

### Step 1: Formation of Sodium Phenoxide
1. **React Phenol with Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH)**:
- Phenol (C6H5OH) is treated with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) to form sodium phenoxide (C6H5O^-Na^+).
- **Reaction**:
\[
C_6H_5OH + NaOH \rightarrow C_6H_5O^-Na^+ + H_2O
...