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Topic: Why is phenol called Carbolic Acid  (Read 8198 times)

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Offline Partha Sarker

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Why is phenol called Carbolic Acid
« on: September 11, 2014, 02:51:32 AM »
This aromatic compound which name is Phenol,has a -OH group. It's another name is Carbolic Acid. But it has no -COOH group. :o

Then why it is called Carbolic Acid??

c1ccc(cc1)O
« Last Edit: September 11, 2014, 04:55:39 AM by Arkcon »

Offline Borek

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Re: Why is phenol called Carbolic Acid?
« Reply #1 on: September 11, 2014, 02:59:13 AM »
Acid is not a synonym of a "carboxylic acid". Acid means a substance that dissociates producing H+ and lowering pH of the solution.
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Offline Partha Sarker

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Re: Why is phenol called Carbolic Acid?
« Reply #2 on: September 11, 2014, 03:03:35 AM »
Acid is not a synonym of a "carboxylic acid". Acid means a substance that dissociates producing H+ and lowering pH of the solution.
Oh! what happens when Phenol is mixed with water(chemical reaction please) and is there any other alcohol which does the same thing

Offline Arkcon

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Re: Why is phenol called Carbolic Acid
« Reply #3 on: September 11, 2014, 04:56:46 AM »
Here's a thorough description:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phenol#Properties
« Last Edit: September 13, 2014, 12:50:26 PM by billnotgatez »
Hey, I'm not judging.  I just like to shoot straight.  I'm a man of science.

Offline Hunter2

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Re: Why is phenol called Carbolic Acid
« Reply #4 on: September 13, 2014, 10:09:57 AM »
Aromatic Hydroxy compounds act acidic. The name carbolic acid  comes because Phenol was first obtained by distillation of coal. 

Offline AdiDex

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Re: Why is phenol called Carbolic Acid
« Reply #5 on: September 13, 2014, 01:01:24 PM »
Basically you should know what an acid do in a reaction -

1. It can gives (Donate) H+ Ion ( A proton ).

2. It can accept an Electron.

And just remember that -
In general , A Neutral molecule consisting of Hydrogen which is connected with a electronegative atom is acidic in nature. ( As in case of Phenol , H is connected with O )

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