Why is phenol more reactive than benzene?

Benzene is made from an aromatic ring consisting of 6 carbon atoms and 6 hydrogen atoms, with delocalised electrons in the centre. Phenol has an additional hydroxy (-OH) group on the ring, and the oxygen atom has a lone pair of electrons on it. These electrons are donated into the pool of delocalised electrons, making phenol more electronegative than benzene. This leaves phenol more susceptible to attack by electrophiles than benzene, meaning it is more likely to undergo electrophilic reactions than benzene is.

Answered by Erin L. Chemistry tutor

3618 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

The bond angle in a molecule of ammonia (NH3) is 107 degrees so why, when part of a transition metal complex is the bond angle 109.5 degrees.


Which liquid would you expect to have a higher boiling point, Bromine (Br2) or Iodine I2)? Explain your answer.


Explain trend in why the ionisation energies increase across the period


Describe a two step reaction route that can convert 1-Butene (CH2CHCH2CH3) into a compound that is more soluble in water. Use mechanisms to aid your answer (HINT: one of the steps involves nucleophilic substitution)


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo
Cookie Preferences