Phenols are organic acids, as are carboxylic acids. The difference is that

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Carboxylic acids are significantly stronger acids than phenols because the carboxyl group can stabilize the negative charge on the oxygen atom in the carboxylate ion through resonance, making it easier to lose a proton (H+). Phenols lack this extensive resonance stabilization in their corresponding phenoxide ions, making them weaker acids in comparison.

Phenols Are Organic Acids, as Are Carboxylic Acids