Functional Groups in Phenol (C₆H₅OH)
What functional groups are in Phenol (C₆H₅OH)?
Phenol (C₆H₅OH) contains 2 functional groups: Aromatic Ring, Hydroxyl (-OH). A benzene ring with a hydroxyl group. More acidic than typical alcohols due to resonance stabilization.
| Formula | C₆H₅OH |
| Name | Phenol |
| Number of Functional Groups | 2 |
| Functional Groups Present | Aromatic Ring, Hydroxyl (-OH) |
| Description | A benzene ring with a hydroxyl group. More acidic than typical alcohols due to resonance stabilization. |
Overview
Phenol (C₆H₅OH) has an aromatic ring with a hydroxyl group directly attached. This combination is more acidic than a typical alcohol.
Aromatic Ring
The aromatic ring (benzene) is a six-carbon ring with alternating double bonds (delocalized electrons). Aromatic rings are planar and exceptionally stable.
Hydroxyl (-OH)
The hydroxyl (-OH) directly on the ring creates a "phenol." The ring's electron delocalization stabilizes the negative charge when the -OH loses its proton, making phenols more acidic than alcohols.
Complete Analysis
Both groups highlighted: aromatic ring and hydroxyl (-OH). When -OH is directly on an aromatic ring, the compound is called a phenol (not just an alcohol).
Interactive 3D functional group identification with guided walkthroughs and practice quizzes on 12 molecules.
Identify Functional Groups in Phenol in 3DRelated Topics
Functional Groups in Ethanol
Identify the functional groups in CH₃CH₂OH
Functional Groups in Acetic Acid
Identify the functional groups in CH₃COOH
Functional Groups in Acetaldehyde
Identify the functional groups in CH₃CHO
IUPAC Nomenclature
Learn to name organic molecules using IUPAC rules
Molecular Polarity
Determine polarity from bond dipoles and molecular geometry