MindMap Gallery The acidity and application of phenols
The acidity of phenols arises from the dissociation of the hydroxyl (-OH) hydrogen, with strength influenced by substituents—electron-withdrawing groups (e.g., nitro) enhance acidity, while electron-donating groups (e.g., methyl) reduce it. Phenols are widely used industrially to produce phenolic resins (Bakelite), pharmaceuticals (e.g., aspirin), and disinfectants. Environmentally, they aid wastewater treatment by adsorbing or degrading organic pollutants. Modified phenol derivatives also serve as antioxidants and antimicrobial agents in biomedicine. Studying phenol acidity and its modulation facilitates the development of high-performance functional materials.
Edited at 2024-12-12 13:12:04