Question

The reactions of phenol with metals, as well as $NaOH$ indicates that it is relatively more acidic than alcohol and water. This is explained on the basis of the structure of phenol. The $s{p}^2$ hybridized carbon attached to oxygen being more electronegative than $s{p}^3$ hybridized carbon of alcohol, decreases the electron density of oxygen. Because of this oxygen, it develops more electron seeking character and releases proton by taking the shared pair of electrons with it. The acidic nature of phenol can also be explained on the basis of resonance stabilization of phenoxide ion.

What is the hybridisation of carbon which is attached to oxygen in phenol?

• A. $sp$
• B. $s{p}^2$
• C. $s{p}^3$
• D. $s{p}^{3}d$

Answer 1

The correct option is B $s{p}^2$

In phenol, all the carbon atoms in benzene ring are $s{p}^2$ hybridized. The carbon attached to oxygen in benzene ring is also $s{p}^2$ hybridized.