Chemistry A-Level
Weak acidity of phenol
What Weak acidity of phenol means in Chemistry A-Level, as defined for OCR.
Definition of Weak acidity of phenol
Check what you remember
Read the wording for your board, then hide it and explain Weak acidity of phenol in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.
Reference: OCR
Phenol is a weak acid because the aromatic ring stabilises the phenoxide ion, so the O–H bond releases a proton more readily than in ethanol but far less readily than in a carboxylic acid.
Topics that use Weak acidity of phenol
- Aromatic compounds (OCR A-Level)
Related terms
- Activating and 2,4-directing effect of the –OH group
- Bond lengths in benzene
- Carbon–carbon bond formation in synthesis
- Comparison with carboxylic acids and the carbonate test
- Delocalised π system and electron density
- Delocalised π system in benzene
- Directing effects
- Directing effects of OH, NH₂ and NO₂
Using Weak acidity of phenol in the exam
Check the command word and mark scheme for your exact question. After comparing your explanation with the reference, use the term in an answer on the linked topic. This practice does not predict an exam mark.
Practise Chemistry questions
Create a free account to answer exam-style questions on this topic and get feedback on your answers.
Start free
All Chemistry A-Level termsA week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge