Question

If the dipole moment of methanol is 1.71D, predict the dipole moment of phenol.

(a) 1.54D

(b) 1.71D

(c) 1.89D

(d) 1.96D

The question was asked in exam.

The question is from Structures of Functional Groups in section Alcohols, Phenols and Ethers of Chemistry – Class 12

Answer 1

Right answer is (a) 1.54D

The explanation: Phenol has a smaller dipole moment than methanol because the C-O bond in phenols is polar due to the electron withdrawing effect of the aromatic ring.