Explain the following with an example. | Class 12 Chemistry Chapter Alcohols Phenols and Ethers, Alcohols Phenols and Ethers NCERT Solutions

Welcome to the NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Chemistry - Chapter Alcohols Phenols and Ethers. This page offers a step-by-step solution to the specific question from Exercise 2, Question 18: . With detailed answers and explanations for each chapter, students can strengthen their understanding and prepare confidently for exams. Ideal for CBSE and other board students, this resource will simplify your study experience.

Question 18:

Explain the following with an example.

(i) Kolbe's reaction.

(ii) Reimer-Tiemann reaction.

(iii) Williamson ether synthesis.

(iv) Unsymmetrical ether.

Answer:

(i) Kolbe's reaction:

When phenol is treated with sodium hydroxide, sodium phenoxide is produced. This sodium phenoxide when treated with carbon dioxide, followed by acidification, undergoes electrophilic substitution to give ortho-hydroxybenzoic acid as the main product. This reaction is known as Kolbe's reaction.

 

(ii) Reimer-Tiemann reaction:

When phenol is treated with chloroform (CHCl3) in the presence of sodium hydroxide, a -CHO group is introduced at the ortho position of the benzene ring.

This reaction is known as the Reimer-Tiemann reaction.

The intermediate is hydrolyzed in the presence of alkalis to produce salicyclaldehyde.

 

(iii) Williamson ether synthesis:

Williamson ether synthesis is a laboratory method to prepare symmetrical and unsymmetrical ethers by allowing alkyl halides to react with sodium alkoxides.

This reaction involves SN2 attack of the alkoxide ion on the alkyl halide. Better results are obtained in case of primary alkyl halides.

If the alkyl halide is secondary or tertiary, then elimination competes over substitution.

 

(iv) Unsymmetrical ether:

An unsymmetrical ether is an ether where two groups on the two sides of an oxygen atom differ (i.e., have an unequal number of carbon atoms). For example: ethyl methyl ether (CH3-O-CH2CH3).


Study Tips for Answering NCERT Questions:

NCERT questions are designed to test your understanding of the concepts and theories discussed in the chapter. Here are some tips to help you answer NCERT questions effectively:

  • Read the question carefully and focus on the core concept being asked.
  • Reference examples and data from the chapter when answering questions about Alcohols Phenols and Ethers.
  • Review previous year question papers to get an idea of how such questions may be framed in exams.
  • Practice answering questions within the time limit to improve your speed and accuracy.
  • Discuss your answers with your teachers or peers to get feedback and improve your understanding.

Latest Blog Posts

Stay updated with our latest educational content and study tips

Simple and Compound Interest Formulas with Questions

Interest is one of the most significant ideas in maths and financial calculations. It is very common in banking, loan applications, investments, saving account and competitive exams. Simple Interest and Compound Interest make it easier to find out how much more is earned and/or paid on a principal during the period of time. These Interest … Read more

Read More

Spoken English Course Topics for Beginners in 2026

In 2026, students, professionals, and job seekers must have a high level of spoken English. Spoken English is a beginner level course to enhance learners’ communication skills in English, their pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar structure and confidence in speaking English fluently. Today, the emphasis of spoken English courses is placed on actual conversations, everyday speech practice … Read more

Read More

Difference Between AI and Machine Learning

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) are two of the most sought-after technologies in today’s digital era. Although these terms are often used together, they are not the same. Machine Learning is, in fact, a component of Artificial Intelligence that enables systems to learn and enhance on their own, without direct programming. AI is … Read more

Read More

Time, Speed and Distance Formulas

Time, Speed, and Distance are some of the most important concepts in mathematics and aptitude. These are the concepts which are used to calculate the speed of an object, time taken for an object to move and the distance traveled during the motion. Questions from this topic are frequently seen in School Tests, Competitive Tests, … Read more

Read More

Comments

  • Kanishk
  • Jul 24, 2018

V effective answers


Add Comment

Welcome to the NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Chemistry - Chapter . This page offers a step-by-step solution to the specific question from Excercise 2 , Question 18: Explain the following with an example. (i) Kolbe's reaction. (ii) Reimer-Tiemann reaction.....