Phenol

Question 1

Activation?

Answer 1

Makes the ring more reactive, due to the increased electron density it is more easily attacked by electrophiles, as the lone pair of electrons from the oxygen interact with the delocalised electrons of the ring

Question 2

Acidic properties?

Answer 2

Greater acidic properties than aliphatic alcohols, as the hydrogen is more easily lost due to the electrons being pulled from the oxygen into the ring

Question 3

Solubility?

Answer 3

Not very soluble due to the large hydrophobic ring, despite the fact that it forms hydrogen bonds

Question 4

Reaction with bromine water?

Answer 4

forms 2,4,6- tribromophenol (white ppt) and HBr

red-brown colour disappears

Question 5

Reaction with dilute nitric acid?

Answer 5

2-nitrophenol, 4-nitrophenol and water