Phenols

               Phenols

Phenols are the Hydroxy derivatives of aromatic hydrocarbon. 

When the hydrogen atom is replaced by a hydroxyl group    (-OH) from a benzene ring then phenol is formed.

                    -H

C6H5-H ---------------> C6H5-OH

                  +OH

Phenols are further classified into monohydric, dihydric, trihydric etc. on the basis of the number of hydroxyl group (-OH) which is attached to the benzene ring.

Classification of phenols-

(1) Monohydric phenol-

In this type of phenol only one hydroxyl group (-OH) is attached to the benzene ring.

For example-

C6H5-OH

(2) Dihydric phenol-

In this type of phenol two hydroxyl group (-OH) is attached to the benzene ring.

For example-

C6H4-(OH)2

(3) Trihydric phenol-

In this type of phenol three hydroxyl group (-OH) is attached to the benzene ring.

For example-

C6H3-(OH)3