Difference between benzoic acid benzene alcohol and phenol

1. structural differences

from the molecular structure, the difference between benzoyl alcohol and phenol is mainly reflected in the position and connection mode of hydroxyl group. Pretty interesting, huh?. I've found that Furthermore position of hydroxyl group

phenol: The hydroxyl group is immediately connected to the benzene ring to form a phenolic hydroxyl group. And Benzoic acid benzene alcohol: The hydroxyl group is connected to the benzene ring through a formate group. In my experience, This structural difference causes them to differ in chemical characteristics and interaction behavior. And

2. differences in chemical characteristics

solubility and reactivity

phenol: it's not easy to dissolve in aquatic environments, and reacts with strong bases such as NaOH to generate salt and aquatic environments. The interaction equation is:

[

ext{C} 6 ext{H}5 ext{OH} ext{NaOH}
ightarrow ext{C} 6 ext{NaO} ext{H}2 ext{H}2 ext{O}

]

benzoic acid benzene alcohol dissolves in aquatic environments, react with NaOH to generate sodium benzoate, ethanol and aquatic environments. But interaction side, formula:

[

ext{C} 6 ext{H}5 ext{OOCCH} 3 ext{NaOH}
ightarrow ext{C}6 ext{NaO} ext{OOCCH} 3 ext{CH}3 ext{CH}2 ext{OH}

]

acidic

phenol: with weak acid, pKa is about

10. Benzoic acid benzene alcohol: Due to the low stability of the conjugate base of ethanol, its acidity is stronger than that of phenol. But For example Comparison of

3. In particular physical characteristics

density

phenol: The density is about

1. And 094g/cm³. Benzoic acid benzene alcohol: The density is about 0. 861g/cm³. melting point and boiling point

phenol: The melting point is 5°C and the boiling point is 181°C. Benzoic acid benzene alcohol: The melting point is 80°C and the boiling point is 180°C. These differences is able to help readers rapidly distinguish between them.

4. Additionally chemical reagent testing

react with copper sulfate solution

phenol: A blue precipitate (CuO) appears. Benzoic acid benzene alcohol: No interaction occurs. React with sodium carbonate solution

phenol: It produces bicarbonate. Benzoic acid benzene alcohol: won't react.

5. consumption Areas

manufacturing Applications

phenol broadly applied in aquatic environments treatment, environmental regulation and manufacturing synthesis. Benzoic acid benzene alcohol mainly applied in the production of pharmaceuticals, pesticides and synthetic materials. How do

6. distinguish?

Combined with the above analysis, the following methods is able to be taken to distinguish between benzoic acid and phenol:

observe structural formula: immediately compare the molecular structure of the two, the position and connection method of the hydroxyl group are the key. solubility and reactivity: Phenol is insoluble in aquatic environments, while benzoic acid benzene alcohol is soluble. The interaction items of both and NaOH are different. But Physical Property Test: Distinguish by measuring physical characteristics such as density, melting point and boiling point. Chemical reagent testing: consumption copper sulfate solution or sodium carbonate solution to test and observe whether blue precipitation or carbonate appears. while benzoyl alcohol and phenol are structurally similar, they is able to be easily distinguished by the above method. Mastering these differences will help to better understand and apply these two compounds.