Question

$Phenol$ , ${C_6}{H_5}OH$ , is allowed to react with $diazomethane$ , $C{H_2}{N_2}$ . The product formed is
(A) ${C_6}{H_5}C{H_2}OH$
(B) ${C_6}{H_5}OC{H_3}$
(C)
(D)

Answer 1

$Diazomethane$ is a very reactive compound. It acts as a methylating agent. $Diazomethane$ converts alcohol into ethers in the presence of ether. To solve this question remember the fact that $Diazomethane$ is an alkylating agent therefore alkylates the phenol.

Complete answer:
$Phenol$ is an aromatic organic compound which is a volatile compound. $Phenol$ has a widespread use involving as a disinfectant, mouthwash, medicinal use like that in surgical antiseptics. $Phenol$ are similar to alcohols but they form stronger hydrogen bonds that is why they are more soluble in water than are alcohols. $Phenol$ was first mined from coal tar, but today it is manufactured on a large scale from petroleum. It is an important industrial product as a pioneer to various materials and useful compounds. $Phenol$ and its chemical products are very important for the production of Bakelite, polycarbonates, detergents, nylon, epoxies, herbicides such as phenoxy herbicides.
$Diazomethane$ is the simplest diazo compound. As mentioned in the hint $Diazomethane$ converts alcohol into ethers. This is due to the fact that $- C{H_2}$ group attaches to the alcohol group releasing molecular nitrogen.
$Diazomethane$ when reacting with a $Phenol$ acts as a base and abstracts a proton from phenol. This results in the formation of $phenoxide$ ions. After this $phenoxide$ ion acts as a nucleophile and under this nucleophilic attack $Anisole$ ether is formed.
The reaction is shown below:

$Anisole$ is formed in the reaction and nitrogen gas is liberated when $Diazomethane$ reacts with . $Phenol$ . This reaction takes place in the presence of $Fluoroboric$ $acid$ .
$Anisole$ or $methoxybenzene$ is an organic compound which is a colourless liquid. Its smell is reminiscent of anise seed. Due to this smell it is used in making perfumes, flavouring agents as well as solvent.

Note:
We not only use $Fluoroboric$ $acid$ to enhance the rate of reaction but also chemicals like $Sodium{\text{ }}hydroxide$ which increases the rate of reaction. During such reactions, liberation of nitrogen always takes place.