Phenol is an acid but does not react with sodium bicarbonate solution. Explain.

Explanation

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Phenol's Acidity:**
- Phenol (C6H5OH) is classified as a weak acid. It can donate a proton (H+) due to the presence of the hydroxyl (-OH) group attached to the aromatic ring.

2. **Reaction with Strong Bases:**
- When phenol reacts with a strong base like sodium hydroxide (NaOH), it forms a phenoxide ion (C6H5O-) and water (H2O). This reaction is favorable because the phenoxide ion is more stable than phenol.

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