KOC6H5

KOC6H5, commonly known as potassium phenoxide or potassium phenolate, is the potassium salt of phenol. It is an ionic compound consisting of a potassium cation (K+) and the phenoxide anion (C6H5O−). In dry form it is typically encountered as a white to pale-yellow solid and is used as a reactive intermediate in organic synthesis.

Preparation methods commonly involve deprotonation of phenol with a base such as potassium hydroxide or potassium carbonate. A typical equation is C6H5OH + KOH → C6H5OK + H2O. The resulting salt is a convenient source of the phenoxide nucleophile in various transformations.

Chemical properties of potassium phenoxide reflect the characteristics of the phenoxide anion. It is a relatively strong nucleophile at oxygen and behaves as a moderate base in many organic solvents. The conjugate acid of the phenoxide has a pKa around 10, reflecting the balance between nucleophilicity and basicity in typical reaction media. The compound is usually handled under dry conditions or in aprotic solvents, as moisture can protonate the anion.

Main uses include its role in Williamson ether synthesis, where potassium phenoxide reacts with primary alkyl halides or sulfonates to form aryl ethers (Ar–O–R). It can also react with acyl chlorides to furnish phenyl esters (Ar–O–CO–R) and serves as a general nucleophile for introducing the phenoxy group into diverse organic frameworks. In addition to its nucleophilic behavior, the salt can act as a base in deprotonation steps under appropriate conditions.

Safety notes: phenoxide salts and phenolic compounds can be irritants and may be toxic; handle with appropriate protective equipment and dispose of waste according to regulations.