Difference between Alcohol and Phenol
The key differences between Alcohol and Phenol are listed in the following table:
|
Parameter |
Alcohol |
Phenol |
|---|---|---|
|
Functional Group |
hydroxyl (OH) groups |
hydroxyl ( -OH) group attached to a benzene ring |
|
Formula/Chemical Name |
R-OH |
C6H5OH |
|
Number of -OH group |
Alcohol consisting one or more -OH groups. |
Phenols consisting a -OH group attached to aromatic benzene group. |
|
Aromaticity |
Alcohol does not contain aromatic ring. |
Phenol contains aromatic benzene ring. |
|
Nature of compound |
Alcohols are aliphatic compounds. |
Phenols are aromatic compounds. |
|
Acidity |
Alcohols are less acidic than phenols. |
Phenols are more acidic than alcohols. |
|
State at Room Temperature |
generally colorless and liquid |
Typically solid at room temperature due to stronger intermolecular forces. |
|
Solubility in Water |
More Soluble in water. |
Less Soluble in water. |
|
Boiling point |
Alcohols have less boiling point than phenols. |
Phenols have higher boiling point than alcohols. |
|
Reactivity with Metals |
Reacts with active metals to produce hydrogen gas. |
Phenols do not react with metals. |
|
Reaction on Litmus |
As alcohols are neutral type, they do not show any reaction in an undergoing test. |
Due to acidic nature, phenol can change the litmus paper into red color. |
|
Reaction with NaOH |
Alcohols do not react with NaOH. |
Phenols react with NaOH to form phenoxides. |
|
Example |
Ethanol (C2H5OH), Methanol (CH3OH). |
Phenol (C6H5OH). |
|
Usage |
Used as the main component of alcoholic beverages. It is also used in pharma company, industries, to prepare perfume and ink. |
It is mainly used in pharma company to manufacture medical products. |
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