Reactions Of Phenols

Overview

Phenols undergo a variety of chemical reactions due to the presence of the hydroxyl (-OH) group attached to the aromatic ring, which influences their reactivity. One of the key reactions is electrophilic aromatic substitution, where phenols can react with electrophiles, such as bromine, to form brominated products like 2,4,6-tribromophenol. Phenols are also more acidic than alcohols, allowing them to react with bases to form phenoxide ions. Additionally, phenols can undergo oxidation to form quinones and can react with formaldehyde to produce resins like Bakelite. Furthermore, phenols can participate in esterification reactions with carboxylic acids to form esters, and they can also undergo hydrogenation to yield cyclohexanol under specific conditions

Questions and Answers

  1. What type of reaction occurs when phenol reacts with bromine water?

    Phenol undergoes electrophilic aromatic substitution, resulting in the formation of 2,4,6-tribromophenol.

  2. How does phenol behave in terms of acidity compared to alcohols?

    Phenol is more acidic than alcohols due to the stability of the phenoxide ion formed upon deprotonation.

  3. What is the product formed when phenol reacts with sodium hydroxide?

    The reaction produces sodium phenoxide, a salt of phenol.

  4. What happens when phenol is oxidized?

    Oxidation of phenol can lead to the formation of quinones, such as benzoquinone.

  5. What is the result of the reaction between phenol and acetyl chloride?

    The reaction produces phenyl acetate, an ester, through an esterification reaction.

Multiple-Choice Questions

  1. What is the product formed when phenol reacts with bromine water?

    a) Phenyl bromide
    b) 2,4,6-Tribromophenol
    c) Bromobenzene
    d) Hydroxybenzene
    Answer: b) 2,4,6-Tribromophenol

  2. Which reagent is used to convert phenol into phenyl acetate?

    a) Acetic acid
    b) Acetyl chloride
    c) Ethanol
    d) Sodium hydroxide
    Answer: b) Acetyl chloride

  3. What type of reaction occurs when phenol is treated with concentrated nitric acid?

    a) Reduction
    b) Nitration
    c) Halogenation
    d) Esterification
    Answer: b) Nitration

  4. What is the main product when phenol is oxidized?

    a) Aldehyde
    b) Ketone
    c) Quinone
    d) Carboxylic acid
    Answer: c) Quinone

  5. Which of the following reactions can phenol undergo with sodium hydroxide?

    a) Esterification
    b) Hydrogenation
    c) Nitration
    d) Formation of sodium phenoxide
    Answer: d) Formation of sodium phenoxide