Question

Give two reactions that show the acidic nature of phenol. Compare acidity of phenol with that of ethanol.

Answer 1

Following reactions show the acidic nature of phenol:

(i) Reaction with sodium $H_2$ gas is produced.

(ii) Reaction with sodium hydroxide Forms sodium salt and water.

Comparison of acidic character of phenol and ethanol

Phenol is more acidic than ethanol because after losing a proton $\left(H^{+}\right)$, phenol forms phenoxide ion which is stabilised by resonance whereas ethoxide ion is not.