One-Step, Catalyst-Free Formation of Phenol from Benzoic Acid Using Water Microdroplets

Benzoic acid dissolved in water is electrosprayed (-4 kV) by using nitrogen gas at a pressure of 120 psi to form similar to 10 mu m diameter microdroplets. Analysis with mass spectrometry (MS) and tandem mass spectrometry (MS2) of the resulting microdroplets shows the direct formation of phenol via decarboxylation without any catalyst or added reagents. This process represents an ecofriendly, environmentally benign method for producing phenol and related aromatic alcohols from their corresponding aromatic acids. The mechanism of this transformation was unambiguously characterized using mass spectrometry, radical trapping, and O-18 labeling.

Automated summary

Benzoic acid dissolved in water is electrosprayed to form microdroplets, which undergo decarboxylation to produce phenol. This ecofriendly method does not require any catalyst or added reagents, and the transformation mechanism was characterized using mass spectrometry and labeling techniques.