Oxidation of Phenols

Phenols are readily oxidized even though the hydroxyl-bearing carbon lacks a hydrogen atom. One of the colored products resulting from the oxidation of phenol by chromic acid is the dicarbonyl compound para-benzoquinone, also known as 1,4-benzoquinone.

Dihydroxybenzenes can be easily oxidized to the corresponding quinones by a wide variety of oxidizing agents, including sodium dichromate (Na2Cr2O7), chromium trioxide (CrO3), and potassium nitrosodisulfonate [(KSO3)2NO], commonly known as Fremy's salt. Similarly, quinones can be easily reduced back to hydroquinones using reagents such as stannous chloride (SnCL2) or sodium borohydride (NaBH4).

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