Phenols

Question 1

what are phenols

Answer 1

organic compounds containing a hydroxyl group,-OH directly attached to benzene ring

Question 2

what are some properties of phenols

Answer 2

• solid at room temperature and pressure
• soluble in water because of the hydroxyl group which can form hydrogen bonds with water
• Is a weak acid

Question 3

what happens when phenol is reacted with sodium hydroxide

Answer 3

• Phenol is neutralised by sodium hydroxide to form sodium phenoxide and water.

Question 4

what happens when phenol is added to water

Answer 4

• a weak acid is formed because OH loses H+ ion

Question 5

what happens when phenol reacts with sodium

Answer 5

• the metal effervesces producing hydrogen gas