Question

Distinguish between Alcohol and Phenol.

Hint:

Phenols are more acidic than alcohols due to the resonance stabilization of the phenoxide ion.

Answer 1

Step 1: Alcohols.
Alcohols are organic compounds containing one or more hydroxyl (-OH) groups attached to a saturated carbon atom. Alcohols are classified based on the number of hydroxyl groups and the type of carbon to which the hydroxyl group is attached (primary, secondary, or tertiary). Examples: Methanol (CH\(_3\)OH), Ethanol (C\(_2\)H\(_5\)OH).
Step 2: Phenols.
Phenols are organic compounds in which a hydroxyl group (-OH) is attached to a benzene ring (C\(_6\)H\(_5\)). The hydroxyl group is directly bonded to an aromatic carbon. Examples: Phenol (C\(_6\)H\(_5\)OH), 2,4-Dichlorophenol.
Step 3: Key Differences.
- Structure: Alcohols have the hydroxyl group attached to a saturated carbon atom, whereas phenols have the hydroxyl group attached to an aromatic ring. - Acidity: Phenols are more acidic than alcohols because the negative charge on the oxygen after deprotonation is stabilized by resonance with the benzene ring. Alcohols do not have this resonance stabilization. - Reactivity: Phenols undergo electrophilic substitution reactions due to the presence of the aromatic ring, whereas alcohols mainly undergo substitution or elimination reactions.
Final Answer: Alcohols have a hydroxyl group attached to a saturated carbon, while phenols have a hydroxyl group attached to a benzene ring, making phenols more acidic and reactive.
Final Answer: \[ \boxed{\text{Alcohols have a hydroxyl group attached to a saturated carbon, while phenols have a hydroxyl group attached to a benzene ring.}} \]