BROMINATION AND USES OF PHENOLS

Question 1

Describe the reaction of phenol with bromine

Answer 1

• its an electrophilic subtistution reaction
• this reaction is used to test for phenols
• the orange bromine colour disappers and a white precipitate called 2,4,6-tribromophenol is formed

Question 2

Explain why bromine reacts more readily with phenol than with benzene

Answer 2

1. The increased reactivity is because a lone pair of elctrons from p orbitals on the oxygen atom in the phenol overlap with delocalised ring of electrons.
2. This creates a high electron density in the ring structure especially at positions 2,4,6,which activates the ring
3. The extra elctron density in the ring means that phenol can polarise the bromine molecule and make it a better electrophile
4. The polarised bromine molecule can now react with phenol

Question 3

Name uses of alkyl phenols

Answer 3

1. Used in surfactants and Detergents

Question 4

name some uses of chlorophenols

Answer 4

• Found in antiseptics and disinfectants
• e.g. Dettol

Question 5

name some uses of salicyclic acid

Answer 5

preparation of aspirin and other pharmaceuticals

Question 6

uses of bisphenols

Answer 6

production of epoxy resins for paints,plastics