Phenol Bromination (Edexcel International A Level Chemistry)

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Phenol Bromination

Reactions of the aromatic ring in phenols

  • Phenols react more readily with electrophiles compared to benzene
  • This is because one of the lone pairs of electrons on the oxygen atom in -OH overlaps with the π bonding system
  • This increases the electron density of the benzene ring making it more susceptible to electrophilic attack
  • The -OH group in phenols is activating and directs incoming electrophiles to the 2, 4, and 6 positions

Bromination

  • Phenols also undergo electrophilic substitution reactions when reacted with bromine water at room temperature
  • Phenol decolourises the orange bromine solution to form a white precipitate of 2,4,6-tribromophenol
  • This is also known as the bromination of phenol

Hydroxy Compounds - Bromination, downloadable AS & A Level Chemistry revision notes

Phenols undergo bromination when reacted with bromine water at room temperature

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Philippa

Author: Philippa

Expertise: Chemistry

Philippa has worked as a GCSE and A level chemistry teacher and tutor for over thirteen years. She studied chemistry and sport science at Loughborough University graduating in 2007 having also completed her PGCE in science. Throughout her time as a teacher she was incharge of a boarding house for five years and coached many teams in a variety of sports. When not producing resources with the chemistry team, Philippa enjoys being active outside with her young family and is a very keen gardener.