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.

1. position of hydroxyl group

• phenol: The hydroxyl group is directly connected to the benzene ring to form a phenolic hydroxyl group.
• Benzoic acid benzene alcohol: The hydroxyl group is connected to the benzene ring through a formate group.

This structural difference causes them to differ in chemical properties and reaction behavior.

2. differences in chemical properties

1. solubility and reactivity

• phenol: It is not easy to dissolve in water, and reacts with strong bases such as NaOH to generate salt and water. The reaction equation is: [ \text{C} 6\text{H}5\text{OH} \text{NaOH} \rightarrow \text{C} 6\text{NaO}\text{H}2 \text{H}_2\text{O} ]
• benzoic acid benzene alcohol soluble in water, react with NaOH to generate sodium benzoate, ethanol and water. Reaction side, formula: [ \text{C} 6\text{H}5\text{OOCCH} 3 \text{NaOH} \rightarrow \text{C}6\text{NaO}\text{OOCCH} 3 \text{CH}3\text{CH}_2\text{OH} ]

1. 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.

Comparison of 3. physical properties

1. density

• phenol: The density is about 1.094g/cm³.
• Benzoic acid benzene alcohol: The density is about 0.861g/cm³.

1. 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 can help readers quickly distinguish between them.

4. chemical reagent testing

1. react with copper sulfate solution

• phenol: A blue precipitate (CuO) appears.
• Benzoic acid benzene alcohol: No reaction occurs.

1. React with sodium carbonate solution

• phenol: It produces bicarbonate.
• Benzoic acid benzene alcohol: will not react.

5. Application Areas

1. industrial Applications

• phenol widely used in water treatment, environmental management and industrial synthesis.
• Benzoic acid benzene alcohol mainly used in the production of pharmaceuticals, pesticides and synthetic materials.

How do 6. distinguish?

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

1. observe structural formula: Directly compare the molecular structure of the two, the position and connection method of the hydroxyl group are the key.
2. solubility and reactivity: Phenol is insoluble in water, while benzoic acid benzene alcohol is soluble. The reaction products of both and NaOH are different.
3. Physical Property Test: Distinguish by measuring physical properties such as density, melting point and boiling point.
4. Chemical reagent testing: Use copper sulfate solution or sodium carbonate solution to test and observe whether blue precipitation or carbonate appears.

Although benzoyl alcohol and phenol are structurally similar, they can be easily distinguished by the above method. Mastering these differences will help to better understand and apply these two compounds.