Kolbe-Schmidt reaction is used for:

Options

A. salicylic acid
B. Salicylaldehyde
C. Phenol
D. Hydrocarbon

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding the Kolbe-Schmidt Reaction:**
The Kolbe-Schmidt reaction is a chemical reaction that involves the introduction of a carboxyl group (-COOH) into the benzene ring of phenol.

2. **Reactants Involved:**
The reaction typically involves phenol (C6H5OH), sodium hydroxide (NaOH), carbon dioxide (CO2), and hydronium ion (H3O+).

3. **Mechanism of the Reaction:**
In this reaction, phenol reacts with sodium hydroxide and carbon dioxide under pressure to form salicylic acid (C7H6O3). The hydroxyl group (–OH) on the phenol ring is retained, and a carboxylic acid group is added to the benzene ring.

4. **Product Formation:**
The main product of the Kolbe-Schmidt reaction is salicylic acid. The chemical equation can be summarized as:
\[ \text{C6H5OH} + \text{NaOH} + \text{CO2} + \text{H3O+} \rightarrow \text{C7H6O3} \text{ (salicylic acid)} \]

5. **Applications of Salicylic Acid:**
Salicylic acid is an important compound in the pharmaceutical industry. It is a precursor to aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid), which is widely used for its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.

6. **Conclusion:**
Therefore, the Kolbe-Schmidt reaction is primarily used for the synthesis of salicylic acid.

**Final Answer:**
The Kolbe-Schmidt reaction is used for the synthesis of salicylic acid.

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