Study GuideOrganic Chemistry II–Phenols and Aryl Halides1. Reactions of Phenolic HydrogenPhenols showacidic behaviorbecause the oxygen atom canrelease its hydrogen relativelyeasily. This acidity is responsible for many of the characteristic reactions of phenols.In this section, we’ll look at the most common reactions that occur due to theacidic nature of thephenolic–OH group.Why Phenols Are AcidicIn phenols, the hydrogen attached to oxygen can be removed more easily than in alcohols. When thishydrogen is lost:•Aphenoxide ionis formed•The negative charge is stabilized by thearomatic ringThis stability makes phenols acidic enough to react with bases.1.Reactions with BasesBecause phenols are acidic, they react readily withstrong basesto formsalts.What Happens•The base removes the acidic hydrogen from phenol•Aphenoxide saltis produced•Water is formed as a by-productExample•Phenol + sodium hydroxide →sodium phenoxide + waterThis reaction is often used toconfirm the acidic nature of phenols.Preview Mode
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