Final answer:
Phenol is acidic due to the presence of a hydroxyl group (OH) attached to the benzene ring, which can easily donate a hydrogen ion (H+). The electron-withdrawing benzene ring stabilizes the negative charge on the oxygen atom, making the O-H bond easier to break. Phenol is a stronger acid than alcohols and can react with aqueous sodium hydroxide (NaOH) to form salts.
Step-by-step explanation:
Phenol is acidic because it can easily donate a hydrogen ion (H+) from the hydroxyl group (OH) attached to the benzene ring. The presence of the electron-withdrawing benzene ring stabilizes the negative charge on the oxygen atom, making the O-H bond easier to break. This makes phenol a weak acid.
Phenol is a stronger acid than alcohols because the negative charge is shared by a more electronegative oxygen atom in phenol compared to a less electronegative carbon atom in alcohols. The electron donation by the oxygen atom also enhances the ability of the oxygen atom to hold onto the electrons of the O-H bond, making phenolic O-H a stronger acid compared to alcoholic O-H.
Phenols react with aqueous sodium hydroxide (NaOH) to form salts.