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The product of this reaction is a mixture of phenol and mesitylene.
Sulfuric acid acts as a catalyst in this reaction, helping to speed up the reaction and increase the yield of the desired products.
Yes, other strong acids such as hydrochloric acid or phosphoric acid can also be used as catalysts in this reaction. However, sulfuric acid is the most commonly used acid due to its availability and effectiveness.
The reaction between benzene and acetone in sulfuric acid typically requires high temperatures (around 100-150°C) and a high concentration of sulfuric acid. A solvent such as water or acetic acid is also needed to dissolve the reactants.
Phenol is widely used in the production of plastics, resins, and pharmaceutical drugs, while mesitylene is used as a solvent and in the production of dyes and fragrances.
