What is the Difference Between Cyclohexanol and Phenol?

The main difference between cyclohexanol and phenol lies in their chemical structure, acidity, and solubility. Here are the key differences:

1. Chemical Structure: Cyclohexanol is a non-aromatic cyclic compound with the chemical formula HOCH(CH2)5, while phenol is an aromatic cyclic compound with the chemical formula HOC6H5.
2. Acidity: Phenol is more acidic than cyclohexanol because the phenoxide ion is more stable than the alkoxide ion. In an alkoxide ion, such as the one derived from cyclohexanol, the negative charge is localized at the oxygen atom.
3. Odor: Cyclohexanol has a camphor-like odor, while phenol has a sweet, tarry odor.
4. Solubility: The solubility of phenol in water is 83 g/L, while that of cyclohexanol is 36 g/L. Phenol's higher solubility in water compared to cyclohexanol is due to its higher polarity, which is also manifested in its acidity.
5. Uses: Phenol is used as an antiseptic for medical applications, as a solvent, and a precursor for plastics. Cyclohexanol is primarily used as a solvent, as feedstock for nylon, and as feedstock for plasticizers.

Comparative Table: Cyclohexanol vs Phenol

Here is a table highlighting the differences between cyclohexanol and phenol:

Cyclohexanol is a non-aromatic cyclic compound with the chemical formula HOCH(CH2)5, while phenol is an aromatic cyclic compound with the chemical formula HO-C6H5. Cyclohexanol has a camphor-like odor, whereas phenol has a sweet, tarry odor. Phenol is used as an antiseptic for medical applications, as a solvent, and a precursor for plastics, while cyclohexanol is primarily used as a solvent, as feedstock for nylon, and as feedstock for plasticizers. Cyclohexanol is produced through the oxidation of cyclohexane in air, while phenol is extracted from coal tar.