Why phenol is acidic ?

Why phenol is acidic ?
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Answer :

 Ans: In phenol dissociation takes place as follows.

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The conjugate base of phenol ie. Phenoxide ion is resonance stabilized. This is why the negative charge on oxygen atom is delocalized through out the ring. So, the oxygen present in phenoxide ion has less tendency to form undissociated phenol molecule and equilibrium lies towards right direction.  

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Related questions

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Phenylmagnesium bromide reacts with CO2 followed by acid-hydrolysis to form : (a) Phenol (b) Benzoic acid (c) Bromobenzene (d) Acetophenone

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Phenol reacts with excess bromine water to give (a) o- plus p-Bromophenol (b) Bromobenzene (c) 2,4,6-Tribromophenol (d) m-Bromophenol

Description : Phenol reacts with excess bromine water to give (a) o- plus p-Bromophenol (b) Bromobenzene (c) 2,4,6-Tribromophenol (d) m-Bromophenol

Last Answer : 2,4,6-Tribromophenol

Which of the following compounds will react with PCl5 least vigorously? (a) Ethanol (b) Acetic acid (c) Phenol (d) Benzoic acid

Description : Which of the following compounds will react with PCl5 least vigorously? (a) Ethanol (b) Acetic acid (c) Phenol (d) Benzoic acid

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When phenol is treated with neutral FeCl3 solution, it develops (a) Violet color (b) Yellow color (c) Green color (d) Nothing happens

Description : When phenol is treated with neutral FeCl3 solution, it develops (a) Violet color (b) Yellow color (c) Green color (d) Nothing happens

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