Phenoxide ion, ArO–

Definition

The phenoxide ion is the anionic form of a phenol molecule (ArOH), where the hydrogen (H) atom of the hydroxyl group (-OH) is replaced by a negative charge (-). It results from the deprotonation of phenol, making it more reactive in nucleophilic substitution reactions.

Related terms

Phenol: A type of aromatic alcohol with a hydroxyl group (-OH) directly bonded to an aromatic hydrocarbon ring.

Nucleophilic substitution: A chemical reaction where an electron-rich nucleophile selectively bonds with or attacks the positive or partially positive charge of an atom or a group of atoms to replace a leaving group; especially common in organic chemistry.

Deprotonation: The removal of a proton (H+) from a molecule, resulting in the formation of its conjugate base, often facilitated by basic conditions