The incorrect statement about Kolbe's reaction is?

Options

A. Phenoxide ion is less reactive than phenol towards electrophilic aromatic substitution
B. Salicylic acid is formed as the main product
C. Ortho-hydroxybenzoic acid is formed as the main product
D. A weak electrophile `CO_2` is used in this reaction

Explanation

To determine the incorrect statement about Kolbe's reaction, let's analyze the details step by step.

### Step 1: Understand Kolbe's Reaction
Kolbe's reaction involves the electrolysis of sodium or potassium salts of carboxylic acids, leading to the formation of alkenes. However, in the context of phenols, it refers to the reaction of phenol with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) followed by the addition of carbon dioxide (CO2) in an acidic medium.

**Hint:** Recall the basic mechanism of Kolbe's reaction and its products.

### Step 2: Identify the Reactants
In Kolbe's reaction with phenol, phenol reacts with NaOH to form the phenoxide ion (C6H5O−). This ion is more reactive than the neutral phenol itself.

**Hint:** Remember that charged species are generally more reactive than their neutral counterparts.

### Step 3: Reaction with CO2
When the phenoxide ion is treated with CO2 in an acidic medium, it undergoes carboxylation to yield ortho-hydroxybenzoic acid, commonly known as salicylic acid.

**Hint:** Focus on the products formed from the reaction of phenoxide with CO2.

### Step 4: Evaluate the Statements
Now, let's evaluate the statements regarding Kolbe's reaction:
1. "Phenoxide ion is less reactive than phenol towards electrophilic aromatic substitution."
2. "Salicylic acid is formed as the main product."
3. "Ortho-hydroxybenzoic acid is formed as the main product."
4. "CO2 is used in this reaction."

Among these statements, the first one is incorrect because the phenoxide ion is actually more reactive than phenol in electrophilic aromatic substitution reactions.

**Hint:** Compare the reactivity of phenoxide ion and phenol in electrophilic aromatic substitution.

### Conclusion
The incorrect statement about Kolbe's reaction is: "Phenoxide ion is less reactive than phenol towards electrophilic aromatic substitution."

### Summary of Steps:
1. Understand Kolbe's reaction.
2. Identify the reactants involved.
3. Analyze the reaction with CO2.
4. Evaluate the statements to find the incorrect one.