Reaction of Phenol with Chloroform in Presence of Base: A Comprehensive Guide

Phenol is an organic compound that has a distinctive sweet odor and is used in a variety of applications. Chloroform is an organic compound with a wide range of applications, including its use as a solvent for many organic reactions. In this guide, we will discuss the reaction of phenol with chloroform in the presence of a base.

What is Phenol?

Phenol is an organic compound with the molecular formula C6H5OH. It is a white, crystalline solid with a distinctive sweet odor. It is miscible with most organic solvents, such as alcohol, ether, and chloroform. Phenol has a wide range of uses, including as a disinfectant and antiseptic, a reagent for the synthesis of organic compounds, and a preservative in food and beverages.

What is Chloroform?

Chloroform is an organic compound with the molecular formula CHCl3. It is a colorless, volatile liquid with a sweet odor and a high boiling point. Chloroform is miscible with most organic solvents, such as alcohol, ether, and benzene. It is used as a solvent for many organic reactions, as a reagent for the synthesis of organic compounds, and as a solvent for fat extraction.

What is a Base?

A base is any substance that can donate electrons to form a new chemical bond or accept protons from other compounds. Bases are generally compounds with a pH greater than 7. Common bases include sodium hydroxide (NaOH), potassium hydroxide (KOH), and ammonium hydroxide (NH4OH).

The Reaction of Phenol with Chloroform in Presence of Base

The reaction of phenol with chloroform in the presence of a base is an example of an acid-catalyzed substitution reaction. In this reaction, a base such as sodium hydroxide (NaOH) is added to a solution of phenol and chloroform. The base catalyzes the reaction, causing the chlorine atom in the chloroform to be replaced by the phenol molecule. This reaction produces a new compound, called a phenolate.

Reaction Mechanism

The reaction mechanism of the reaction of phenol with chloroform in the presence of a base involves the following steps: 1. The base (NaOH) protonates the phenol molecule, forming a phenolate ion. 2. The phenolate ion then attacks the chlorine atom in the chloroform molecule, displacing it. 3. The resulting phenolate then reacts with the phenol molecule to form a new compound.

Products of the Reaction

The products of the reaction of phenol with chloroform in the presence of a base are a phenolate ion and a new compound. The new compound is a derivative of phenol, with the chlorine atom from the chloroform molecule being replaced by the phenol molecule.

Conclusion

The reaction of phenol with chloroform in the presence of a base is an example of an acid-catalyzed substitution reaction. This reaction produces a phenolate ion and a new compound, which is a derivative of phenol. This reaction is useful in the synthesis of organic compounds and has a wide range of applications.