Classification of phenol
Phenols can be classified based on the number of hydroxyl groups attached. They can be classified as follows:
- Monohydric Phenol
- Dihydric Phenol
- Trihydric Phenol
Monohydric Phenol (Containing One -OH group)
Monohydric Phenols are aromatic compounds with a single hydroxyl (-OH) group attached to a benzene ring. They can be represented by the general formula C6H5O. An example of a monohydric phenol is phenol itself, also known as carbolic acid.
Dihydric Phenol (Containing Two -OH groups)
Dihydric phenol is a type of phenol with two hydroxyl (-OH) groups directly attached to an aromatic ring. It may be ortho-, meta-, or para-derivative. Examples of dihydric phenols include benzene-1,2-diol, also known as catechol, and benzene-1,3-diol, also known as resorcinol.
Trihydric Phenol (Containing Three -OH groups)
Trihydric phenols are a phenolic compound containing three hydroxyl (OH) groups. Examples of trihydric phenols include 1,2,3-Benzenetriol (Pyrogallol), 1,2,4-Benzenetriol (Hydroxyquinol), and phloroglucinol (1,3,5). These compounds are solids slightly soluble in water but miscible with organic solvents.
Phenol (C6H5OH)
Phenol is an aromatic organic compound. Its molecular formula is C6H6O. Phenol is characterized by a hydroxyl group attached to a carbon atom that is part of an aromatic ring. It is also known as carbolic acid and consists of hydroxyl and phenyl groups attached to each other. In this article, we look into what phenol is, its structure, its classification, general properties, preparation and reactions, etc.
Table of Content
- What is Phenol?
- Classification of phenol
- Properties of phenol
- Preparation of Phenol
- Reaction of Phenol
- Derivatives of Phenol
- Uses of Phenol
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