Why is phenol more acidic than alcohol?
Correct answer: C. Both Options A and B are correct
- A. Due to presence of resonance in phenol
- B. Due to the absence of resonance in alcohol
- C. Both Options A and B are correct
- D. Because in phenol, hydrogen is attached to oxygen
Explanation
The answer is Both Options A and B are correct. Phenol is more acidic than alcohol because of two reasons: The presence of resonance in phenol. The oxygen atom in phenol is bonded to a hydroxyl group (-OH). The electron pair on the oxygen atom is shared with the hydrogen atom, but it can also be delocalized over the benzene ring. This delocalization of electrons makes the phenol molecule more stable, and it also makes the hydrogen atom more acidic. The absence of resonance in alcohol. The oxygen atom in alcohol is bonded to a hydroxyl group, but the electron pair on the oxygen atom is not delocalized. This makes the alcohol molecule less stable, and it also makes the hydrogen atom less acidic.
Report an error
The more specific you are, the faster it gets fixed. A source beats an opinion.
Prefer email? [email protected]
About Phenols
Phenols contain a hydroxyl group directly bonded to an aromatic ring, making them more acidic than alcohols because the phenoxide ion is resonance-stabilised. Reactions include ionisation with bases, electrophilic substitution, bromination, nitration and oxidation, with attention to the difference between phenols and aliphatic alcohols.
Practise Alcohols and Phenols
535 free Alcohols and Phenols MCQs from Chemistry, each with the correct answer and an explanation. Unlimited attempts, no account needed.
Discussion
Stuck on an option, or know a faster way to get there? Ask or explain it here.
No comments yet. Be the first to explain this one.
Exams that ask Chemistry questions like this
Chemistry is on 14 papers prepared for on TestUstad, and all of them draw the same bank, so this question is worth knowing for every one of them.
More Phenols questions
Phenol gives electrophilic substitution reactions due to?
Which of the following major product(s) is formed when phenol reacts with sulphuric acid at 100 °C?
Which phenol is most acidic in nature?
Which of the following is formed when phenol reacts with acetyl chloride?
Which of the following ions is stable?
A substance formed by reduction of phenol with Zn is?