Phenols 16-17

Question 1

What is a phenol?

Answer 1

Phenols are a class of organic compounds in which a hydroxyl group, -OH, is attached directly to a benzene ring.

Question 2

Draw phenol

Answer 2

Question 3

Name the following strucure:

Answer 3

2-ethylphenol

Question 4

What does phenol look like at room temperature(its colour and state)?

Answer 4

Phenol is a pink crystalline solid at room temperature.

Question 5

Describe and explain phenols solubility in water

Answer 5

• It is slightly soluble in water because the -OH group forms hydrogen bonds with water molecules. However, the presence of a benzene ring makes phenols less soluble in water than alcohols.

Question 6

Write the dissociation of phenol.

Answer 6

C₆H₅OH + aq ⇔ C₆H₅O^- + H⁺

Question 7

Write out the reaction of phenol with aqueous sodium hydroxide and name the salt formed.

Answer 7

C₆H₅OH + NaOH ⇒ C₆H₅O^-Na⁺+ H₂O

The salt formed is called sodium phenoxide.

Question 8

Write out the reaction of phenol with sodium, what characterisitcs would this reaction have?

Answer 8

2C₆H₅OH + 2Na ——> 2C₆H₅O^-Na⁺ + H₂

• When the metal is added to phenol the metal effervesces producing hydrogen gas.

Question 9

What are the uses of phenol?

Answer 9

Phenol, also known as carbolic acid, is a good antiseptic.