Distinguishing Properties

Question

What are the key differences between alcohols, phenols, and ethers?

NEET Faculty · Answer

Key differences between alcohols, phenols, and ethers:

Alcohols: Have -OH group attached to spÂ³ hybridized carbon, less acidic
Phenols: Have -OH group attached to spÂ² hybridized carbon of benzene ring, more acidic than alcohols
Ethers: Have R-O-R' structure, where R and R' are alkyl or aryl groups, not acidic

Alcohols and phenols can form hydrogen bonds, while ethers cannot. Ethers are generally more volatile than alcohols of comparable molecular mass.

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