Phenol

Phenol

1. Lone pair on the O increases electron density as it becomes part of the pi system

   • Activating the benzene ring

2. Phenol is more reactive than benzene

3. Phenol is a weak acid

   • It reacts with strong bases such as sodium hydroxide, but not weak bases such as sodium carbonate

4. Bromination of Phenol

   • Phenol + 3Br2 -> 2,4,6-tribromophenol + 3HBr
     • The electron-rich phenol polarises Br2 so no need for a halogen carrier

5. Nitration of phenol

   • Phenol + HNO3 -> 2nitrophenol +H2O
   • Phenol + HNO3 -> 4nitrophenol
     • Small amounts may form

6. 2x Benzene ring + 2Na -> 2x sodium peroxide +H2

   • Because phenol doesn't react with Na2CO3, the reaction can be used to distinguish between phenol and any other (organic) product