Zn shows an oxidation state of +2. The phenol gets converted into phenoxide ion and proton thus released accepts an electron from Zn forming H radical. Also because of the heating there is homolytic fission of C of phenyl ring and O- The O- thus formed accepts an electron Zn and forms oxide ion. In this way zinc forms zinc oxide and phenyl radical thus produced forms a bond with H radical.
However, the yield of this reaction (used for benzene formation is lower) because of formation of hydrogen gas and biphenyl prompltly.
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