Ionization of phenol, the cresols, and the xylenols in methanol
Abstract
The acid ionization constants of phenol, the cresols, and the xylenols in methanol at 25°C have been measured by ultra-violet spectrophotometry. Comparison of the constants with those for aqueous solution suggest that for 2-methyl phenols steric inhibition to the solvation of the phenoxide anions tends to increase the free energy change accompanying ionization. This effect is greater in methanol than in water.