Phenols are rather easily oxidized despite the absence of a
hydrogen atom on the hydroxyl bearing carbon. Among the colored
products from the oxidation of phenol by chromic acid is the
dicarbonyl compound para-benzoquinone
https://www2.chemistry.msu.edu/faculty/reusch/virttxtjml/alcohol2.htm
Indeed, when this question came out for a top JC Prelim paper a
couple of years ago, only my BedokFunland JC students were able to
draw the oxidation product.
Why? I'll give you a hint : unlike Singapore JC H2 Chem
students, only my BedokFunland JC students (together with H3 Chem
and Olympiad Chem students), understand both the meaning of
resonance contributors vs resonance hybrid, as well as my
BedokFunland JC formula for calculating Oxidation State.
