Question

Assertion (A): Phenol on reaction with aqueous NaOH gives sodium phenoxide.
Reason (R): This reaction supports the acidic nature of phenol.

• A. Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true and Reason (R) is the correct explanation of the Assertion (A).
• B. Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, but Reason (R) is not the correct explanation of the Assertion (A).
• C. Assertion (A) is true, but Reason (R) is false.
• D. Assertion (A) is false, but Reason (R) is true.

Hint:

Phenol is weakly acidic and reacts with NaOH to form sodium phenoxide, a reaction that supports the acidic nature of phenol. This is a key characteristic of phenols, distinguishing them from alcohols.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Phenol reacts with NaOH to form sodium phenoxide, confirming its weakly acidic nature: \[ \text{C}_6\text{H}_5\text{OH} + \text{NaOH} \rightarrow \text{C}_6\text{H}_5\text{ONa} + \text{H}_2\text{O} \] This reaction occurs because phenol can donate a proton (\( H^+ \)), showing its acidic behavior.