What is an example to how resonance affects the equilibrium the strength of an acid?

1 Answer
Nov 1, 2015

Phenol is relatively strong acid compared to other alcohols, due to the resonance effect.

Explanation:

Phenol dissociates in water to form the phenolate anion. The phenol is able to distribute the negative charge around the molecule due to its resonance structure, which makes it more stable.

http://www.mhhe.com/physsci/chemistry/carey/student/olc/ch24phenols.htmlhttp://www.mhhe.com/physsci/chemistry/carey/student/olc/ch24phenols.html

The more stable the conjugate base, the stronger the acid.