Explain the acidic reactions of phenol and describe its acidic nature and strength.

(N/A) Acidic reactions of phenol: In the acidic reactions of phenol,the $O-H$ bond breaks,resulting in the formation of phenoxide ions.
$(i)$ Reaction with active metals $(Na, Al)$ and alkalis $(NaOH, KOH)$: Phenols react with active metals like sodium and potassium to form phenoxide compounds and release hydrogen gas.
$(ii)$ Reaction with aqueous alkali: Phenols react with aqueous sodium hydroxide to form sodium phenoxide.
This reaction of phenol with $NaOH$ demonstrates that phenol is a stronger acid than alcohols.
$(b)$ Acidic nature of phenol: The above reactions indicate that phenolic compounds are acidic in nature. In fact,phenols are Brønsted acids and can donate a proton to a strong base $(:B^-)$.
$(c)$ Acidity of phenols: The reactions of phenol with metals (sodium,aluminum) and sodium hydroxide prove that phenol is acidic in nature.