Difference Between Alcohol and Phenol : Alcohol and phenol, both containing hydroxyl groups, differ fundamentally. Alcohols have hydroxyl groups attached to alkyl carbon atoms, classifying them as primary, secondary, or tertiary based on the carbon bonded to the hydroxyl group.
On the other hand, phenols exhibit a distinctive structure with the hydroxyl group directly attached to an aromatic benzene ring. This unique arrangement imparts distinct chemical behaviors to phenols. While alcohols and phenols share some common characteristics, such as the ability to undergo similar reactions, their classification and chemical reactivity set them apart.Difference Between Alcohol and Phenol | ||
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Parameter | Alcohol | Phenol |
Functional Group | -OH (hydroxyl group) | -OH (hydroxyl group) attached to an aromatic ring (benzene ring). |
Structure | Alcohols can be aliphatic or aromatic. | Phenol is an aromatic compound with a benzene ring. |
Aromaticity | Does not contain an aromatic ring. | Contains an aromatic benzene ring. |
IUPAC Nomenclature | Named as alkanols or phenols, depending on the structure. | Specifically named as phenols due to the benzene ring. |
Acidity | Generally weak acids. | Phenols are comparatively more acidic due to the resonance stabilization of the phenoxide ion. |
Physical State at Room Temp. | Can be liquid or solid, depending on the size and structure. | Typically solid at room temperature due to stronger intermolecular forces. |
Solubility in Water | Soluble in water. | Soluble in water but less so than alcohols due to stronger intermolecular forces in phenols. |
Reactivity with Metals | Reacts with active metals to produce hydrogen gas. | Does not react with active metals to produce hydrogen gas. |
Example | Ethanol (C2H5OH), Methanol (CH3OH). | Phenol (C6H5OH). |