Answer to Question #167901 in Organic Chemistry for Sam

Question

• Explain the chemical properties of benzene, phenol and methylbenzene in terms of the reactions they undergo. You will need to give their key chemical reactions and explain why these are suitable and important in specific industrial reactions.

Answer 1

Benzene

Benzene is a colourless liquid compound.

Benzene melts at 5.5 °C, and it boils at 80.1 °C.

Benzene is not miscible in water and is soluble in organic solvents. It has an aromatic odour.

Some industries use benzene to make other chemicals that are used to make plastics, resins, and nylon and synthetic fibers because benzene undergoes substitution reaction that replaces one or more hydrogen atom with another atom or radical.

Phenol

They are more soluble in water than alcohols and have a higher boiling point. Phenols occur in either the form of colourless liquids or white solids at the room temperature and can be highly toxic and caustic in nature.

Plant-based compounds containing phenol are known to be antioxidants. This means that they can stop the reaction of free radicals with other molecules in your body, preventing damage to your DNA as well as long-term health effects.

Methylbenzene

It is insoluble in water, it is a colorless liquid with an odor similar to that of paint thinners. Toluene has intoxicating properties and when inhaled, can cause neurological harm.

Methylbenzene is more reactive because of the tendency of the methyl group to "push" electrons towards the ring. Methylbenzene is used to manufacture benzene, urethane raw materials, and other organic chemicals. It is used in the production of pharmaceuticals, dyes, and cosmetic nail products.