Does phenol react with `NaHCO_(3)` solution ?

Options

A. Phenol is a weaker acid than carbonic acid
B. Phenol is stronger acid than carbonic acid
C. Phenol is as strong as carbonic acid
D. Phenol is insoluble in water.

Answer

To determine whether phenol reacts with sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO₃) solution, we can analyze the acidity of phenol compared to carbonic acid, which is the acid that sodium bicarbonate can react with.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding the Reactivity of Acids with NaHCO₃**:
- Sodium bicarbonate is a weak base and reacts with acids to produce carbon dioxide (CO₂) gas.
- The reaction occurs when the acid is stronger than carbonic acid (H₂CO₃).

**Hint**: Remember that only stronger acids than carbonic acid will react with sodium bicarbonate.

2. **Acidity of Phenol**:
- Phenol (C₆H₅OH) is known to be acidic, but it is a weak acid compared to stronger acids.
- The acidic nature of phenol is due to the presence of the hydroxyl (-OH) group, which can donate a proton (H⁺).

**Hint**: Identify the functional group in phenol that contributes to its acidity.

3. **Comparison with Carbonic Acid**:
- Carbonic acid (H₂CO₃) is a weak acid that can dissociate to release H⁺ ions.
- When comparing the acidity of phenol and carbonic acid, phenol is a weaker acid than carbonic acid.

**Hint**: Consider the strength of the acids based on their ability to donate protons.

4. **Conclusion on Reaction**:
- Since phenol is a weaker acid than carbonic acid, it will not react with sodium bicarbonate.
- Therefore, phenol does not react with NaHCO₃ solution.

**Hint**: Recall that the reactivity of an acid with a base depends on their relative strengths.

### Final Answer:
Phenol does not react with sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO₃) solution because it is a weaker acid than carbonic acid.