why is phenol stronger acid than cyclohexanol?

Phenol is more acidic than cyclohaxanol. Pka value of alcohols is 16-17 while of phenol is 10. Phenol gives a stable conjugate base (phenoxide) after ionization. This stability of phenoxide is due to resonating structures of phenoxide. 

Resonating structures of phenoxide.

Electrons are delocalized on whole benzene ring make phenoxide a stable conjugate base. 

On the other hand alkoxide - conjugate base of non aromatic alcohols- don't have delocalized electrons rather electrons of alkoxide are localized on oxygen atom. These localized electrons rapidly rebond the ionized proton H+. 


That's why phenol is more acidic as compare to cyclohaxanol a cyclic alcohol .


Remember more pka value means weak acid and vice versa.

Comments

Post a Comment

For any query you are always welcome. Feel free to contact me.

Popular posts from this blog

Alkanes Are Called PARAFFINS WHY?

Ionic( cation and anion) size difference from neutral parent atom?

Ionic Bond Formation/ Ionic Compound Formation