By using the potassiumsalt 4-hydroxybenzoic acid is accessible, an important precursor for the versatile paraben class of biocides used e.g. in personal care products.
Reaction mechanism
The Kolbe-Schmitt reaction proceeds via the nucleophilic addition of a phenolate to carbon dioxide to give the salicylate. The final step is reaction of the salicylate with acid to form the desired salicylic acid.