Question:
Identify the reason for acidic nature of phenol.
Identify the reason for acidic nature of phenol.
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Compare how well the phenoxide ion is stabilised relative to phenol.
Updated On: Nov 12, 2026
- Presence of hydrogen bonding.
- Phenoxide ion is least stable.
- Presence of strong and stable O-H bond.
- Due to resonance stabilization of its anion.
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The Correct Option is D
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Understanding the Concept
Phenol ionises as \(\text{C}_{6}\text{H}_{5}\text{OH}\rightleftharpoons \text{C}_{6}\text{H}_{5}\text{O}^{-}+\text{H}^{+}\).
Step 2: Phenoxide ion
The negative charge on oxygen is delocalised into the benzene ring through resonance.
Step 3: Effect
This resonance makes the phenoxide ion stable, so the equilibrium shifts towards ionisation.
Step 4: Eliminate options
Hydrogen bonding and a strong O-H bond do not explain acidity, and the phenoxide ion is not least stable.
Final Answer:
Phenol is acidic because its anion is resonance stabilised. \[ \boxed{\text{(D) }\text{Due to resonance stabilization of its anion.}} \]
Phenol ionises as \(\text{C}_{6}\text{H}_{5}\text{OH}\rightleftharpoons \text{C}_{6}\text{H}_{5}\text{O}^{-}+\text{H}^{+}\).
Step 2: Phenoxide ion
The negative charge on oxygen is delocalised into the benzene ring through resonance.
Step 3: Effect
This resonance makes the phenoxide ion stable, so the equilibrium shifts towards ionisation.
Step 4: Eliminate options
Hydrogen bonding and a strong O-H bond do not explain acidity, and the phenoxide ion is not least stable.
Final Answer:
Phenol is acidic because its anion is resonance stabilised. \[ \boxed{\text{(D) }\text{Due to resonance stabilization of its anion.}} \]
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