Question

Phenols do not exhibit the same pka values as other alcohols; they are generally more acidic. Using the knowledge that hydrogen acidity is directly related to the stability of the anion formed, explain why phenol is more acidic than cyclohexane

Answer 1

Answer:

Phenols do not exhibit the same pka values as other alcohols;

They are generally more acidic.

Using the knowledge that hydrogen acidity is directly related to the stability of the anion formed, explain why phenol is more acidic than cyclohexane.

Explanation:

According to Bromsted=Lowry acid-base theory,

an acid is a substance that can release $H^{+}$ ions when dissolved in water.

So, acid is a proton donor.

If the conjugate base of an acid is more stable then, that acid is a strong acid.

In the case of phenol,

the phenoxide ion formed is stabilized by resonance.

$C_6H_5OH -> C_6H_5O^- +H^+$

The resonance in phenoxide ion is shown below:

Whereas in the case of cyclohexanol resonance is not possible.

So, cyclohexanol is a weak acid compared to phenol.