Reactions of Other Phenolic Compounds (Cambridge (CIE) A Level Chemistry): Revision Note

Reactions of Other Phenolic Compounds

• Phenolic compounds are those that contain a phenol functional group

  • An example of a phenolic compound is 1-naphthol

1-naphthol molecule

1-Naphthol is a phenolic compound

• 1-Naphthol contains a phenol group attached to another benzene ring

• Just like with phenol, the -OH group in 1-naphthol is also electron-donating and activates the benzene ring to electrophilic substitution reactions

• The electrophiles are directed to the 2 and/or 4 positions

• Substitution at the 6 position is not possible as there is no hydrogen atom on this carbon

  • This carbon is bonded to a carbon atom of the second benzene ring

• 1-Naphthol and other phenolic compounds react in a similar way as phenol