Experiment 4b: Reaction of Phenol

Chemicals:

Phenol

Na2CO3

Ether

Na (s)

Bromine water

Iron (III) chloride

Sodium carbonate

Sodium bicarbonate

Apparatus :

Test tube

Test tube rack

pH paper

wooden splint

Procedure

a. Solubility and pH

1. 1 mL of phenol was heated in a test tube together with 1 mL of water in a water bath

2. The solution was tested with a blue litmus paper

3. The solution then was added 1 mL of sodium carbonate

b.

1. 1 mL of phenol was dissolved in 2 mL of ether

2. The gas release was tested with a burning wooden splinter

c.

1. Drop by drop of aq bromine was added in an aq phenol solution and physical changed was

observed

d.

1. 2-3 drops of neutral iron (III) chloride solution were added into an aq phenol solution

e.

1. 1 mL of phenol was added in 2 mL sodium bicarbonate and being observed either gas bubbles or

effervesceness being released

Result:

Conclusion :

1. Phenol is weaker acid than carboxylic acid, hence does not react with sodium carbonate and

sodium bicarbonate.The acidic character of phenol is due to the presence of polar O-H group.

Because of larger electro negativity of oxygen atom, the electron pair of O-H bond is withdrawn

more towards O and H+ ion can be easily released in aqueous solution. Phenol is weaker acid

than carboxylic acid, hence does not react with sodium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate.The

acidic character of phenol is due to the presence of polar O-H group. Because of larger electro

negativity of oxygen atom, the electron pair of O-H bond is withdrawn more towards O and H+

ion can be easily released in aqueous solution.

2.