Explain Why Phenol Has a Lower PK_a Than Ethanol

question 12

Essay

Explain why phenol has a lower pK_a than ethanol.

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Definitions:

Nitro Groups

Functional groups in organic chemistry consisting of one nitrogen atom connected by a double bond to one oxygen atom and by a single bond to another oxygen atom; they are denoted as NO2 and contribute to the reactivity of molecules.

Neutral Oxygen Balance

A term in explosives chemistry indicating that an explosive compound has an oxygen balance of zero, meaning it has exactly enough oxygen to oxidize all its components.

Oxidize

A chemical process involving the transfer of electrons from a substance to an oxidizing agent, increasing the oxidation state of the substance.

Explosive Molecule

A compound that rapidly undergoes a chemical change producing an increase in temperature, gas, and pressure.