Question

The reaction, $C_6H_5ONa + CO_2 + H_2O \to C_6H_5OH + NaHCO_3$ suggests that

• A. phenol is a stronger acid than carbonic acid
• B. carbonic acid is a stronger acid than phenol
• C. water is a stronger acid than phenol
• D. None of these

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

carbonic acid is a stronger acid than phenol

Answer 2

Since a stronger acid displaces a weaker acid from its salts, therefore, carbonic acid $\left(CO_{2}+H_{2}O \equiv H_{2}CO_{3}\right)$ is a stronger acid than phenol.