Phenol and its reactions

Question 1

Phenol solubility:

Answer 1

Soluble to an extent in water due to hydrogen bond formation. 8g/100ml of H₂0.

Question 2

Is Phenol acidic?

Answer 2

Phenol is a weak acid.

Question 3

Why is Phenol more acidic than H₂O?

Answer 3

The electron density of the oxygen in phenol is less than the electron density of the oxygen in the OH⁻ ion. This is because in phenol, lone pairs for donated and partially overlapped with the π system, making the oxygen less negatively charged and thus making it more stable. H+ ions bind more with the high electron dense O in OH⁻ ion so backward reaction is more favoured in H₂O. [H+] is higher in phenol than H₂O so phenol is more acidic.

Question 4

State the 4 (unique) reactions of Phenol:

Answer 4

1. Phenol + Metal—> Metal phenoxide + H₂.
2. Phenol + Alkali—> Metal phenoxide + H₂O.
3. Nitration of phenol.
4. Bromination of phenol.

Question 5

Phenol + Metal—>

Answer 5

Phenol + Metal—> Metal phenoxide + H₂

Question 6

Phenol + Alkali—>

Answer 6

Phenol + Alkali—> Metal phenoxide + H₂O

Question 7

Nitration of Phenol (REAGENTS)

Answer 7

Reactants= diluted or concentrated HNO₃ + Phenol.

Question 8

Phenol + dil.HNO₃—>

Answer 8

Phenol + dil.HNO₃—> 2-nitrophenol

Question 9

Phenol + conc.HNO₃—>

Answer 9

Phenol + conc.HNO₃—> 2,4,6-trinitrophenol

Question 10

Bromination of Phenol (REAGENTS AND OBSERVATION)

Answer 10

Reactants= Phenol + aqueous Br₂.
Observation= Orange to colourless solution and white precipitate forms. (2,4,6-tribromophenol is a white sollid)