Shortcut Methods

  1. To determine the dissociation constant (Ka) of a 0.1 M solution of phenol with a pH of 5.0, use the formula Ka = [H+][A-]/[HA], where [H+] represents the hydrogen ion concentration, [A-] represents the phenoxide ion concentration, and [HA] represents the phenol concentration. Substituting the given values, we get Ka = 10^(-5) M.

  2. The percentage ionization of a 0.01 M solution of phenol can be calculated using the formula % ionization = ([A-]/[HA]) x 100. Assuming negligible dissociation, [A-] ≈ 0 and [HA] ≈ 0.01 M. Therefore, % ionization ≈ 0%.

  3. To determine the concentration of phenoxide ions in a 0.1 M solution of sodium phenoxide, consider that sodium phenoxide is a strong base and completely dissociates in water to release phenoxide ions. Therefore, the concentration of phenoxide ions is equal to the initial concentration of sodium phenoxide, which is 0.1 M.

  4. To calculate the pH of a solution containing a mixture of 0.1 mol of phenol and 0.1 mol of benzoic acid in 1 L of water, consider the dissociation of both phenol and benzoic acid. Both are weak acids, so we can assume that their dissociation will be small and that the concentrations of their conjugate bases will be negligible. Therefore, the pH can be approximated by considering the dissociation of water only, resulting in a pH of approximately 7.

  5. When phenol is treated with concentrated sulfuric acid, the major product formed is phenyl hydrogen sulfate (also known as phenol sulfonic acid). This reaction involves the electrophilic substitution of the hydroxyl group of phenol with a sulfonic acid group (-SO3H).

  6. The white precipitate formed when phenol reacts with bromine water is called 2,4,6-tribromophenol. This reaction is a classic example of electrophilic aromatic substitution, where the bromine atoms replace the hydrogen atoms on the phenol ring.

  7. The Kolbe-Schmitt reaction is a method for converting phenols into salicylic acid. The mechanism of this reaction involves the initial formation of a phenolate salt, which then undergoes a nucleophilic substitution reaction with carbon dioxide to form a salicylic acid salt. This salt can then be protonated to form salicylic acid.

  8. Phenol is used in the manufacture of a variety of drugs and plastics, including aspirin, salicylic acid, and plastics like Bakelite and polycarbonates. Aspirin is a pain reliever and fever reducer, salicylic acid is a common ingredient in skincare products, and Bakelite and polycarbonates are widely used in various industries.

  9. Phenol exposure can cause several health hazards, including skin irritation, burns, eye damage, and respiratory problems. Phenol is also toxic upon ingestion and can lead to systemic poisoning.

  10. Phenol can be safely disposed of by following proper waste management guidelines. It should be collected and stored in designated containers and disposed of through licensed hazardous waste disposal companies to minimize the risk of environmental contamination and harm to human health.