Phenol vs. Benzoic Acid — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Published on November 8, 2023
Phenol is an aromatic compound with a hydroxyl group attached to a benzene ring, while Benzoic Acid has a carboxyl group attached to a benzene ring.
Difference Between Phenol and Benzoic Acid
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
Phenol and Benzoic Acid are both organic compounds derived from benzene.
Phenol consists of a benzene ring directly bonded to a hydroxyl group, giving it acidic properties. Benzoic Acid, on the other hand, contains a carboxyl group attached to a benzene ring, classifying it as a carboxylic acid.
When looking at the chemical structure, Phenol's formula is C6H5OH.
In contrast, Benzoic Acid's chemical formula is C6H5COOH, highlighting the presence of the carboxyl functional group in addition to the benzene ring.
Both Phenol and Benzoic Acid have uses in various industries.
ADVERTISEMENT
Phenol is employed in the production of plastics, resins, and pharmaceuticals. Benzoic Acid is commonly used as a food preservative and in the synthesis of various chemicals.
From a reactivity standpoint, Phenol and Benzoic Acid have distinct properties.
Phenol can undergo reactions typical of alcohols, albeit with some constraints due to its aromatic nature. Benzoic Acid can partake in reactions characteristic of carboxylic acids, such as esterification.
Comparison Chart
Chemical Formula
C6H5OH
C6H5COOH
Functional Group
Hydroxyl (-OH)
Carboxyl (-COOH)
Nature
Weak Acid
Carboxylic Acid
Common Uses
Plastics, resins, pharmaceuticals
Food preservatives, chemical synthesis
Reactivity
Reactions of alcohols
Reactions of carboxylic acids
Compare with Definitions
Phenol
A building block in the synthesis of various chemicals.
Phenol is crucial in the production of certain pharmaceuticals.
Benzoic Acid
A compound often used to prevent fungal growth in products.
Some cosmetics contain Benzoic Acid to increase their shelf life.
Phenol
An aromatic alcohol with the formula C6H5OH.
Phenol is also known as carbolic acid.
Benzoic Acid
An acid commonly used in organic synthesis reactions.
Benzoic Acid reacts with alcohols to form esters in the presence of acid catalysts.
Phenol
A white crystalline compound derived from benzene.
Phenol is an important industrial chemical used in various products.
Benzoic Acid
A colorless crystalline compound with carboxylic acid properties.
Benzoic Acid is commonly found in processed foods as a preservative.
Phenol
A weak acid due to its hydroxyl group.
Phenol can lose a proton, displaying acidic behavior.
Benzoic Acid
An aromatic carboxylic acid with the formula C6H5COOH.
Benzoic Acid can be synthesized from benzene using several methods.
Phenol
A caustic, poisonous, white crystalline compound, C6H6O, derived from benzene and used in resins, plastics, and pharmaceuticals and in dilute form as a disinfectant. Also called carbolic acid.
Benzoic Acid
The simplest aromatic carboxylic acid.
Benzoic Acid serves as a reference for studying properties of aromatic acids.
Phenol
Any of a class of aromatic organic compounds having at least one hydroxyl group attached directly to the benzene ring.
Phenol
A caustic, poisonous, white crystalline compound, C6H5OH, derived from benzene and used in resins, plastics, and pharmaceuticals and in dilute form as a disinfectant and antiseptic; once called carbolic acid
Phenol
Any of a class of aromatic organic compounds having at least one hydroxyl group attached directly to the benzene ring (or other aromatic ring)
Phenol
A white or pinkish crystalline substance, C6H5OH, produced by the destructive distillation of many organic bodies, as wood, coal, etc., and obtained from the heavy oil from coal tar.
Phenol
Any one of the series of hydroxyl derivatives of which phenol proper is the type.
Phenol
Any of a class of weakly acidic organic compounds; molecule contains one or more hydroxyl groups
Phenol
A toxic white soluble crystalline acidic derivative of benzene; used in manufacturing and as a disinfectant and antiseptic; poisonous if taken internally
Phenol
A compound used as an antiseptic in the past.
Early surgeons used Phenol to sterilize surgical instruments.
Common Curiosities
Are Phenol and Benzoic Acid derived from benzene?
Yes, both compounds are derivatives of benzene.
Is Benzoic Acid a type of alcohol?
No, Benzoic Acid is a carboxylic acid.
Can Phenol be used as a disinfectant?
Yes, Phenol was historically used as an antiseptic and disinfectant.
Which compound has stronger acidic properties, Phenol or Benzoic Acid?
Benzoic Acid is a stronger acid than Phenol.
Why is Benzoic Acid used in foods?
Benzoic Acid is used as a preservative to prevent microbial growth.
What is the primary functional group in Phenol?
Phenol has a hydroxyl (-OH) functional group.
Is Benzoic Acid soluble in water?
Benzoic Acid has limited solubility in water, but it's more soluble in organic solvents.
Is Phenol an alcohol?
Yes, Phenol is an aromatic alcohol with the formula C6H5OH.
Does Benzoic Acid occur naturally?
Yes, Benzoic Acid can be found in certain plants and resins.
Why is Phenol also called carbolic acid?
The name "carbolic acid" is a historical name for Phenol based on its properties.
Is Phenol safe for skin contact?
No, Phenol can be corrosive and harmful to the skin.
What is the role of Benzoic Acid in cosmetics?
Benzoic Acid is used as a preservative in cosmetics to prevent microbial contamination.
Are there health concerns regarding Benzoic Acid in food?
When used within recommended limits, Benzoic Acid is generally recognized as safe.
How is Phenol typically produced?
Phenol is often produced through the cumene process from benzene and propene.
Can Phenol undergo electrophilic aromatic substitution?
Yes, Phenol can undergo electrophilic aromatic substitution, often more easily than benzene due to the activating nature of the hydroxyl group.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Meta Title vs. Meta Description
Next Comparison
Job Analysis vs. Job EvaluationAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
