Some other Reactions of Phenols
Let us first learn about Phenol.
Phenol is an aromatic organic compound with the molecular formula
C
6
H
5
O
H
The molecule consists of a phenyl group (
−
C
6
H
5
) bonded to a hydroxyl group (
−
O
H
)
Phenol undergo many reactions which form useful organic products
Let us learn about different reactions associated with phenol.
Let us know about the reaction of phenol with ammonia.
When phenol reacts with ammonia in the presence of
Z
n
C
l
2
at
3
0
0
o
C
, it produces aniline and water.
Let us now see the reaction of phenol with sodium hydroxide and haloalkane.
Phenolates are formed when phenolic hydroxyl groups are exposed to basic conditions (like
N
a
O
H
).
This phenolate anion can be reacted with an alkyl halide to yield a possible two products:
O
−
alkylated (product 1) or
C
−
alkylated (product 2)
The product 1 is formed by the
O
−
alkylation of the phenolate anion.
Since alkyl is connected to
O
, it is called
O
−
alkylation.
Whereas product 2 is formed via
C
−
alkylation of the phenolate anion.
Since alkyl group is connected with carbon so it is called
C
−
alkylation
The possibility of product 1 being formed is higher than the probability of formation of product 2.
Let us now see the reaction of phenol with sulphuric acid.
Phenol reacts with conc. H₂SO₄ to give phenol sulphonic acids. Products of this reaction depend upon temperature.
When phenol is treated with conc. H₂SO₄ at normal temperature,o-phenol sulphonic acid is obtained
Whereas if phenol is heated at high temperature with conc.H₂SO₄, p-phenol sulphonic acid is obtained
Let us now move forward to see the reaction of phenol with ferric chloride.
Iron(III) ions form strongly colored complexes when treated with several organic compounds like phenol.
The reaction with iron(III) chloride solution can be used as a test for phenol.
If you add a crystal of phenol to iron(III) chloride solution, you get an intense violet-purple solution.
Finally, let us now see the reaction of phenol with phosphorus pentachloride.
No reaction takes place when phenol is treated with pcl5.
Let us revise.
Phenol is an aromatic organic compound with the molecular formula
C
6
H
5
O
H
.
When phenol reacts with ammonia in the presence of
Z
n
C
l
2
at
3
0
0
o
C
, it produce aniline and water.
Phenol reacts with conc. H₂SO₄ to give phenol sulphonic acids. Products of this reaction depend upon temperature.
No reaction takes place when phenol is treated with
P
C
l
5
.