5. Phenols

Question 1

Structural formula of phenol

Answer 1

Benzene ring with a H replaced by OH

OH must be attached directly to the ring- if not, not a phenol.

Question 2

Acidity and equation

Answer 2

weak acid (doesn't react with carbonates)
C6H5OH + H2O (reversible ) H3O+ + C6H5O-

Question 3

e.g. of reaction with strong base

NaOH

Answer 3

C6H5OH + NaOH -> C6H5O-Na+ + H2O

Question 4

why is phenol more reactive than benzene

Answer 4

non-bonded / P orbital electrons on O add to delocalised pi system
more nucleophilic (electron dense)
more susceptible to electrophilic attack as it can induce dipoles
can undergo direct halogenation