Phenol
A compound in which a hydroxyl group is bonded directly to an aromatic ring.
Formula / equation
C₆H₅–OH
Unit
Dimensionless
In depth
Phenols are far more acidic than alcohols because the phenoxide anion delocalises its charge into the ring. The hydroxyl group also activates the ring strongly towards electrophilic substitution, so phenol reacts with bromine water without a catalyst.
Examples in the real world
Phenol itself as an early antiseptic; the phenolic antioxidants in olive oil and green tea.