This powerpoint fully covers the following criteria –

32.2 Phenol

Learning outcomes
Candidates should be able to:

1. recall the reactions (reagents and conditions) by which phenol can be produced:
   (a) reaction of phenylamine with HNO₂ or NaNO₂ and dilute acid below 10°C to produce the diazonium salt; further warming of the diazonium salt with H₂O to give phenol

2. recall the chemistry of phenol, as exemplified by the following reactions:
   (a) with bases, for example NaOH(aq) to produce sodium phenoxide
   (b) with Na(s) to produce sodium phenoxide and H2(g)
   © in NaOH(aq) with diazonium salts, to give azo compounds
   (d) nitration of the aromatic ring with dilute HNO₃(aq) at room temperature to give a mixture of 2-nitrophenol and 4-nitrophenol (e) bromination of the aromatic ring with Br₂(aq) to form 2,4,6-tribromophenol

3. explain the acidity of phenol

4. describe and explain the relative acidities of water, phenol and ethanol

5. explain why the reagents and conditions for the nitration and bromination of phenol are different from those for benzene

6. recall that the hydroxyl group of a phenol directs to the 2-, 4- and 6-positions

7. apply knowledge of the reactions of phenol to those of other phenolic compounds, e.g. naphthol

Thank you sincerely for your support