Phenols are considered to be weak organic acids. Phenol, the parent compound, is partially water-soluble (1 g will dissolve in 15 mL of water), whereas substituted phenols are not.
Sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) aqueous solution, a weak inorganic base, will not deprotonate phenols to make it ionic, because it is not strong enough.
However, treatment with NaOH, a strong inorganic base, can change phenol to its ionic (salt) form.
*** Why is phenol a weak acid? ***
Phenols are less acidic than carboxylic acids, but more acidic than ordinary aliphatic alcohols:
The general explanation for the enhanced acidity of phenols compared
to alcohols is:
Reference: G. Marc Loudon.
Organic Chemistry Third Edition
