In an organic synthesis lab, a researcher needs to convert phenol into benzene. Which reagent should be used for this reduction process?
Q1. In an organic synthesis lab, a researcher needs to convert phenol into benzene. Which reagent should be used for this reduction process?
Answer: Zinc dust
Explanation: Phenol is reduced to benzene when its vapors are passed over heated zinc dust. Sodium metal would form sodium phenoxide instead.