Question

Phenols are characterized by____.

a) their behavior as gases

b) ether linkages

c) an —OH group on a benzene ring

d) their use of flavoring agents

Answer 1

Phenols are characterized by an -OH group on a benzene ring

Step-by-step explanation:

Phenol is an aromatic alcohol. More precisely, it is a secondary alcohol in which benzene ring is directly attached to a -OH group.

Phenol is a crystalline solid and highly volatile.

Phenol is slightly acidic due to presence of acidic -OH group which gets dissociated to produce a proton and phenoxide ion.

Phenol is commonly used as a precursor in plastic industry.

Phenol is corrosive in its direct exposure to eyes and skin.

Strucutre of phenol molecule has been attached below.

Answer 2

Option A is incorrect because phenol exists in liquid state at room temperature and its boiling point is 181 °C.

Option B is incorrect because there is no ether linkage in phenol. Its chemical formula is Ph-OH.

Option C is correct. As the chemical formula cited above contains hydroxyl group (i.e. -OH).

Option D can be considered incorrect because only one derivative of phenol (Guaiacol)is used as flavoring agent in whisky.