PhenolsPhenols

HW: Hw1 Q 5 (12 marks)

L.O.:Describe the reactions of phenols with aqueous

alkalis and with sodium to form saltsDiscuss the roles of phenol as an early antisepticDescribe the reaction of phenol with bromine to

form 2,4,6-tribromophenolExplain the relative ease of bromination of

phenol compared to benzeneState the uses of phenols in plastics, antiseptics,

disinfectants and paints

Phenol as an acid

Phenoxy ion

Phenol is weakly soluble in water and produces solutions with a pH of about 5 to 6

• Reaction with sodium

Uses of phenols

Found in:• surfactants and detergents• disinfectantsUsed to make • pharmaceuticals like aspirin• Epoxy resins found in paints

Experiment: reaction of phenol with bromineExperiment: reaction of phenol with bromine

1) Write down 2 observations.

2)Name the product formed

3) Write a balanced equation

Explain the relative ease of Explain the relative ease of bromination of phenol compared to bromination of phenol compared to benzenebenzene

Clue #1.

R-O-H

• Clue #2

Comparing the charge densities of phenol with benzene

Phenol Benzene

• Clue #3.

Which structure can polarise bromine molecules?

Explain the relative ease of Explain the relative ease of bromination of phenol compared to bromination of phenol compared to benzene ( 3 marks + 1 Qwc)benzene ( 3 marks + 1 Qwc)

Lone pair of electrons on the oxygen atom → higher electron density in the ring → the increased electron density polarises bromine molecules.