Question

Explain the acidic nature of phenol.

Hint:

Phenols are weak acids due to delocalization of the negative charge on the oxygen in the conjugate base.

Answer 1

Step 1: Resonance Stabilization: \[ C_6H_5OH \rightleftharpoons C_6H_5O^- + H^+ \] Phenol ionizes to release H\(^+\), stabilized by resonance. Step 2: Stronger Acid than Alcohols:
- Phenol (\( pK_a = 9.95 \)) is more acidic than alcohols because of resonance stabilization.