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Chemical Properties Comparison

Physical Properties Comparison

Difference between Alcohol and Phenol

Comparision of different chemical propertes such as oxidation, esterification, reaction with metlas, etc. are given in the following table:

Chemical properties

Alcohol

Phenol

Oxidation

R-OH + HO-NO2→ R-O-NO2

Phenols get easily oxidized to para-benzoquinone. This when reduced forms quinones.

Esterification

When the alcohol reacts with acid, it forms an ester and water.

  • R-OH + R’-COOH + H+ ↔ R’-COOR

Phenyl esters (RCOOAr) do not form directly from RCOOH, but for this acid chlorides or anhydrides react with ArOH in the presence of a strong base.

  • (CH3CO)2O + C6H5OH + NaOH → CH3COOC6H5 + CH3COONa + H2O
  • C6H5COCl + C6H5OH + NaOH → C6H5COOC6H5 + Na+Cl– + H2O

Reaction with metals

Alcohol (ethanol) reacts with sodium metal and produced hydrogen gas and sodium ethoxide.

  • 2ROH + Na→2RO+Na– + H2

Generally phenol does not react with most of the metals. In some cases it reacts with sodium, potassium, and magnesium. Phenol reacts with sodium or potassium to form phenoxide ions and hydrogen gas.

  • 2C6H5OH + 2Na = 2C6H5O– (phenoxide ion) + H + 2Na+

Reaction with halogen group elements

When the halogen group elements ( chlorine, bromine) react with alcohol, the chlorine, bromine replace the -OH group in alcohol.

  • ROH + HX → R-X + H2O

Phenol can react with halogens (fluorine, chlorine, bromine, iodine) to form halogenated phenols.

  • C6H5OH + Cl2 = C6H5Cl2 + HCl + H+

Difference Between Alcohol and Phenol

Alcohols and phenols are both classes of organic compounds containing a hydroxyl (-OH) functional group. However, while they both feature hydroxyl groups, they differ fundamentally from each other. Alcohols have hydroxyl groups attached to alkyl carbon atoms, whereas phenols have the hydroxyl group directly attached to an aromatic benzene ring.

The difference between alcohol and phenol is very important from the perspective of class 11 and 12 students, especially for those preparing for the NEET exam. In this article, we will explore the differences between alcohol and phenol, including their definitions, properties, types, and many other important terms.

Table of Content

  • What are Alcohols is Chemistry?
  • What are Phenols?
  • Physical Properties Comparison
  • Chemical Properties Comparison
  • Difference between Alcohol and Phenol
  • FAQs on Alcohol and Phenol

Similar Reads

What are Alcohols is Chemistry?

Alcohol is a common organic compound that consists one or more hydroxyl (OH) groups. The general formula of alcohol is R-OH, where R represents the alkyl group. The molecules of alcohol attached to the carbon atom of alkyl groups or hydrocarbon chain. Most of the alcohols are colorless liquid. Based on the bonding of carbon atoms to the hydroxyl groups, alcohol can be classified in three types namely – primary, secondary and tertiary. Alcohol is widely used in industries for manufacturing beverages and preparing perfumes....

What are Phenols?

Phenols are a class of organic compounds characterized by a hydroxyl (OH) group attached directly to an aromatic benzene ring. Chemically, they are aromatic compounds with a hydroxyl group bonded to one of the carbon atoms in the benzene ring. Phenols are often referred to as derivatives of benzene with one or more hydroxyl (-OH) groups attached....

Physical Properties Comparison

Comparison table outlining some key physical properties of alcohols and phenols is given as:...

Chemical Properties Comparison

Comparision of different chemical propertes such as oxidation, esterification, reaction with metlas, etc. are given in the following table:...

Difference between Alcohol and Phenol

The key differences between Alcohol and Phenol are listed in the following table:...

Conclusion

In conclusion, while both alcohols and phenols contain hydroxyl (-OH) groups, they exhibit distinct chemical properties due to differences in molecular structure. Alcohols feature the hydroxyl group attached to a saturated carbon atom in an alkyl chain, while phenols have the hydroxyl group directly bonded to an aromatic benzene ring....

FAQs on Alcohol and Phenol

What are alcohols and phenols?...

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Physical Properties Comparison

Difference between Alcohol and Phenol