Question

Phenol is

• A. A base weaker than ammonia
• B. An acid stronger than carbonic acid
• C. An acid weaker than carbonic acid
• D. A neutral compound

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

$P^{Ka}$ of phenol $=10$
$P^{Ka}$ of carbonic acid less than $10$

The acidic strength $\propto$ conjugate base stability
In carboxylic acid conjugate base stabilized because it forms two resonating structures