# Phenol and ethanol are both members of the alcohol and phenol group of organic compounds. Describe the chemical properties of phenol, including its reactions with water and sodium hydroxide solution, and explain how these properties differ from those of ethanol.

> Eduqas A-Level Chemistry — 4.3 Alcohols and phenols · Describe · 5 marks

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. Phenol is only slightly/sparingly soluble in water (or dissolves to a limited extent), whereas ethanol is fully miscible with water
2. Phenol dissolved in water produces an acidic solution (phenol is a weak acid)
3. Ethanol does not produce an acidic solution / ethanol solution is neutral (or near-neutral)
4. Phenol reacts with sodium hydroxide solution to form sodium phenoxide (and water)
5. Ethanol does not react with sodium hydroxide solution (unlike phenol)

## Key terms

- [phenol](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/phenol)
- [ethanol](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/ethanol)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Eduqas A-Level Chemistry](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/phenol-and-ethanol-are-both-members-0a57c107) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.