`C_(6)H_(5) OH and C_(6) H_(5) COOH` show difference in the reaction with

Options

A. `NaHCO_(3)`
B. Na metal
C. NaOH
D. Litmus paper

Answer

To compare the reactions of phenol (C₆H₅OH) and benzoic acid (C₆H₅COOH) with sodium bicarbonate, sodium metal, sodium hydroxide, and litmus paper, we can analyze each case step by step.

### Step 1: Reaction with Sodium Bicarbonate (NaHCO₃)
- **Phenol (C₆H₅OH)**: Does not react with sodium bicarbonate. There is no formation of salt or any product because phenol is not acidic enough to react with a weak base like sodium bicarbonate.
- **Benzoic Acid (C₆H₅COOH)**: Reacts with sodium bicarbonate to form sodium benzoate (C₆H₅COO⁻Na⁺), water, and carbon dioxide gas. The reaction can be represented as:
\[ C₆H₅COOH + NaHCO₃ \rightarrow C₆H₅COO⁻Na⁺ + H₂O + CO₂(g) \]

**Conclusion**: There is a difference in the reaction with sodium bicarbonate; only benzoic acid reacts.

### Step 2: Reaction with Sodium Metal (Na)
- **Phenol (C₆H₅OH)**: Reacts with sodium metal to form sodium phenoxide (C₆H₅O⁻Na⁺) and hydrogen gas (H₂):
\[ C₆H₅OH + Na \rightarrow C₆H₅O⁻Na⁺ + H₂(g) \]
- **Benzoic Acid (C₆H₅COOH)**: Also reacts with sodium metal to form sodium benzoate (C₆H₅COO⁻Na⁺) and hydrogen gas (H₂):
\[ C₆H₅COOH + Na \rightarrow C₆H₅COO⁻Na⁺ + H₂(g) \]

**Conclusion**: There is no difference in the reaction with sodium metal; both phenol and benzoic acid react similarly.

### Step 3: Reaction with Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH)
- **Phenol (C₆H₅OH)**: Reacts with sodium hydroxide to form sodium phenoxide (C₆H₅O⁻Na⁺) and water:
\[ C₆H₅OH + NaOH \rightarrow C₆H₅O⁻Na⁺ + H₂O \]
- **Benzoic Acid (C₆H₅COOH)**: Reacts with sodium hydroxide to form sodium benzoate (C₆H₅COO⁻Na⁺) and water:
\[ C₆H₅COOH + NaOH \rightarrow C₆H₅COO⁻Na⁺ + H₂O \]

**Conclusion**: There is no difference in the reaction with sodium hydroxide; both phenol and benzoic acid react similarly.

### Step 4: Reaction with Litmus Paper
- **Phenol (C₆H₅OH)**: Turns blue litmus paper red, indicating it is acidic.
- **Benzoic Acid (C₆H₅COOH)**: Also turns blue litmus paper red, indicating it is acidic.

**Conclusion**: There is no difference in the reaction with litmus paper; both phenol and benzoic acid are acidic.

### Final Summary
The only significant difference in reactions between phenol and benzoic acid occurs when they react with sodium bicarbonate. Phenol does not react, while benzoic acid does. For sodium metal, sodium hydroxide, and litmus paper, both compounds behave similarly.