The aqueous oxidation of phenol by a deficiency of [IrCl6] 2− yields [IrCl6] 3− and phenoxyl radicals in the first step. Coupling of the phenoxyl radicals then leads primarily to 4, 4′- biphenol, 2, 2′-biphenol, 2, 4′-biphenol, and 4-phenoxyphenol. Overoxidation occurs
