Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Phenol is an organic compound consisting of a benzene ring bonded to a hydroxyl group (-OH). It is both aromatic and alcohol, making it distinct in properties and reactivity.
Base Reaction - A chemical reaction that involves the transfer of a proton (H+) from an acid to a base; phenol can act as an acid when it donates a hydrogen ion from its hydroxyl group