Question:

Phenol is more acidic than alcohol because:

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Stable conjugate base = Stronger acid. Resonance "spreads" the charge, making phenoxide very stable.
Updated On: May 5, 2026
  • O$-$H bond is weaker
  • Phenoxide ion is resonance stabilised
  • Phenol is a solid
  • Higher molecular weight
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Concept
Acidity depends on the stability of the conjugate base formed after losing a proton ($H^{+}$).

Step 2: Meaning

When phenol loses $H^{+}$, it forms the phenoxide ion ($C_{6}H_{5}O^{-}$). Alcohols form alkoxide ions ($RO^{-}$).

Step 3: Analysis

In the phenoxide ion, the negative charge on oxygen is delocalized over the benzene ring through resonance, making it highly stable. Alkoxide ions have no such stabilization.

Step 4: Conclusion

The increased stability of the phenoxide ion drives phenol to release its proton more readily than alcohols. Final Answer: (B)
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