What is the Difference Between Phenol and Phenyl?

Phenol and phenyl are two different compounds related to aromatic chemistry. The main difference between them lies in the presence of an oxygen atom and the type of substituent they are. Here are the key differences:

• Phenol: Phenol is an alcohol, and it contains a hydroxy group (-OH) attached to a benzene ring. The chemical formula for phenol is C6H5OH. It is used in manufacturing, as a disinfectant, and as an antiseptic.
• Phenyl: Phenyl is a functional group derived from benzene. It is formed when one hydrogen atom of benzene is replaced by a substitution. The chemical formula for the phenyl group is C6H5. It is a substituent, which means it can be attached to another compound to form a new molecule.

In summary, phenol is an aromatic alcohol with a hydroxy group attached to a benzene ring, while phenyl is a functional group derived from benzene and is used as a substituent in other compounds.

Comparative Table: Phenol vs Phenyl

Phenol and phenyl are two different entities in organic chemistry. The key difference between them is that phenol has a hydroxyl group (-OH) while phenyl does not. Here is a comparison table outlining their differences:

Phenol is an aromatic hydrocarbon compound with the chemical formula C6H5OH, which exists as a white crystalline solid at room temperature. It has a sweet odor and is moderately soluble in water. Phenol is a weak acid and can donate a proton to form a phenoxide ion.

On the other hand, phenyl is a derivative of phenol and is a substituent that can be attached to other molecules. It is derived from benzene and does not have a hydroxyl group. The presence or absence of the hydroxyl group in phenol and phenyl, respectively, leads to different properties and chemical behaviors.