Reactions of Phenolic Hydrogen
Phenols are acidic because of the ease with which the oxygen atom will release the hydrogen bonded to it. This section describes typical reactions that occur as a result of the acidity of phenols.
Reactions with bases
Because phenol is acidic, it reacts with bases to form salts.
Esterification of phenol
Phenols form esters with acid anhydrides and acid chlorides.
Williamson ether synthesis
Ethers are produced from phenol by the Williamson method via an S N mechanism.
