Oxidation of Phenols with Sodium Periodate

CCA! Volume 5

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Oxidation of Phenols with Sodium Periodate

Aqueous sodium periodate is added, to each of phenol, 1,2-dihydroxybenzene (catechol), 1,3-dihydroxybenzene (resorcinol), and 1,4-dihydroxybenzene (hydroquinone).

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Narrative
Aqueous sodium periodate is added to solutions of phenol, catechol, resorcinol, and hydroquinone. Only catechol and hydroquinone are oxidized to quinones as indicated by the formation of reddish-brown solution.

Discussion
The formation of quinones requires a 1,2- or a 1-4-arrangement of phenolic groups.