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AAT Bioquest

What are the physical properties of phenol acidity?

Posted February 14, 2023


Answer

Phenolic acid contains an -OH attached to hydrocarbons and thus are very weak acids. However, phenol is still acidic enough to have recognizable acidic properties. Pure phenol is a white, crystalline solid, is poisonous, and smells similar to disinfectant. The melting of phenol is between 40-43 degrees celsius, and the boiling point is 182 degrees celsius. Phenol can also react with sodium and potassium to create phenoxide ions. The solubility of phenol typically decreases with an increase of aryl group size. Phenol is also not acidic enough to react with sodium carbonate or sodium hydrogen carbonate.

Additional resources

Summary review of the health effects associated with phenol

Phenol Red, sodium salt *CAS 34487-61-6*