Question:
Phenol shows acidic character but ethanol remains approximately neutral. Why?
Phenol shows acidic character but ethanol remains approximately neutral. Why?
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Acidity depends on stability of conjugate base; resonance increases acidity.
Updated On: Oct 7, 2025
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Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Compare acidity.
Both phenol and ethanol can release a proton (H\(^+\)).
Step 2: Stability of conjugate base.
- Phenoxide ion is resonance stabilized over the aromatic ring. - Ethoxide ion has no resonance stabilization, only negative charge localized on oxygen.
Step 3: Conclusion.
Thus, phenol is acidic whereas ethanol is neutral because resonance stabilization makes phenol more likely to lose H\(^+\).
Both phenol and ethanol can release a proton (H\(^+\)).
Step 2: Stability of conjugate base.
- Phenoxide ion is resonance stabilized over the aromatic ring. - Ethoxide ion has no resonance stabilization, only negative charge localized on oxygen.
Step 3: Conclusion.
Thus, phenol is acidic whereas ethanol is neutral because resonance stabilization makes phenol more likely to lose H\(^+\).
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