Question

Phenol,${\mathbf{C}}_{\mathbf{6}}{\mathbf{H}}_{\mathbf{5}}\mathbf{OH}$, is a stronger acid than methanol, ${\mathbf{CH}}_3\mathbf{OH}$, even though both contain an OH bond. Draw the structures of the anions resulting from loss of ${\mathbf{H}}^{\mathbf{+}}$from phenol and methanol, and use resonance structures to explain the difference in acidity.

Short answer

Resonance forms of phenol

Step-by-step solution

Definition of Resonance structure

The structures which are formed by the electronic displacement of𝛑bond present in the molecule. These are known as resonance structures

Draw the anions of the phenol and methanol

Resonance structures of phenol

Anion of compound can be formed by removing the hydrogen which is attached to electronegative atom

Explanation of the stronger acidity in phenol

Due to the presence resonance structure in ${\text{C}}_6{\text{H}}_5{\text{O}}^{\mathbf{-}}$(by removing ${\mathrm{H}}^{+}$from ${\text{C}}_6{\text{H}}_5\text{OH}$ ) and hence it is more stable than methanol.

As no such factor exist in methanol