Phenols

Question 1

Describe the reaction of phenol with sodium hydroxide

Answer 1

C6H5OH + NaOH -> C6H5O-Na+ + H20

Phenol is neutralised to form the salt sodium phenoxide and water

Question 2

Describe the reaction of phenol with sodium

Answer 2

2C6H5OH + 2Na –> 2C6H5O-NA+ + H2

gas is produces and sodium phenoxide is the salt

Question 3

Describe the reaction of phenol with bromine

Answer 3

electrophillic substitution
RTP
orange -> colourless
white precipitate of 2,4,6-tribromophenol is produced
C6H5OH + 3Br2 –> 2,4,6-tribromophenol + 3HBr

Question 4

why does bromine reaction more readily with phenol than with benzene?

Answer 4

• a lone pair of electrons on the O atom on the phenol group is drawn into the benzene ring
• higher electron density in the ring + it is activated
• Bromine molecules become polarised, which are then attracted more strongly towards the ring than in benzene

Question 5

Uses of phenol

Answer 5

antiseptics, disinfectants, resins for paints