[Starksays]

How would the mechanism of chlorobenzene to a phenol with the dow process work? I understand that somehow the chlorobenzene would become sodium phenoxide and then a phenol but can't seem to find an example of the arrow pushing?

[discodermolide]

This process uses high temperatures and very high pressure, I might suggest that under these extreme conditions it is a straight displacement of Cl with hydroxide.

[orgopete]

This process uses high temperatures and very high pressure, I might suggest that under these extreme conditions it is a straight displacement of Cl with hydroxide.

Because other examples undergo an benzyne intermediate, I'd also consider this as a possibility. I don't expect chlorobenzene to undergo an addition-elimination. Perhaps someone could cite an example.