Phenol and FeCl3 Reaction: Formation of Violet Complex

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In summary, the reaction between Phenol and FeCl3 is an acid-base reaction, where phenol acts as an acid and FeCl3 acts as a base. The purpose of using FeCl3 in the presence of Phenol is to catalyze the reaction and increase the rate of the reaction. The complex formed in the reaction between Phenol and FeCl3 is a deep purple color, which is due to the formation of a charge-transfer complex. Phenol and FeCl3 are commonly used in biochemical experiments as a colorimetric assay to detect the presence of phenolic compounds, with the intensity of the purple color being proportional to the concentration of phenol in the sample. The reaction between Phenol and FeCl3 is
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KLscilevothma
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When phenol reacts with FeCl3, a violet complex will be formed. What is the name of the violet complex and what is the chemical equation for this reaction? I've tried to search it from the internet but I couldn't find the equation.
 
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FeCl3 + 3PhOH ----> Fe(O-Ph)3

it's the iron chloride test for phenol groups :smile:.

as for the name, i don't know off hand :wink:.
 
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The violet complex formed when phenol reacts with FeCl3 is called ferric phenolate or ferric phenoxide. The chemical equation for this reaction is:

FeCl3 + 3C6H5OH → Fe(C6H5O)3 + 3HCl

This equation shows the reaction between one mole of FeCl3 and three moles of phenol, resulting in the formation of one mole of ferric phenolate and three moles of hydrochloric acid.
 

What is the reaction between Phenol and FeCl3?

The reaction between Phenol and FeCl3 is an acid-base reaction, where phenol acts as an acid and FeCl3 acts as a base.

What is the purpose of using FeCl3 in the presence of Phenol?

The purpose of using FeCl3 in the presence of Phenol is to catalyze the reaction and increase the rate of the reaction. FeCl3 acts as a Lewis acid and helps in the formation of an intermediate that reacts with phenol to form a colored complex.

What is the color of the complex formed in the reaction between Phenol and FeCl3?

The complex formed in the reaction between Phenol and FeCl3 is a deep purple color. This color is due to the formation of a charge-transfer complex between phenol and FeCl3.

What is the use of Phenol and FeCl3 in biochemical experiments?

Phenol and FeCl3 are commonly used in biochemical experiments as a colorimetric assay to detect the presence of phenolic compounds. The intensity of the purple color formed is proportional to the concentration of phenol in the sample.

Is the reaction between Phenol and FeCl3 reversible?

No, the reaction between Phenol and FeCl3 is not reversible. Once the complex is formed, it remains in that state and cannot be converted back to its original components.

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