Here's the chemical equation:

2 Na + 2 C6H5OH → 2 C6H5ONa + H2

Here's a breakdown of the reaction:

* Sodium (Na) is a highly reactive alkali metal.

* Phenol (C6H5OH) is an aromatic compound with a hydroxyl group (-OH) attached to a benzene ring.

* Sodium phenoxide (C6H5ONa) is the salt formed when the hydrogen atom of the hydroxyl group in phenol is replaced by a sodium ion (Na+).

* Hydrogen gas (H2) is produced as a byproduct of the reaction.

Mechanism:

The reaction proceeds through a nucleophilic attack by the sodium atom on the hydrogen atom of the hydroxyl group. The bond between the hydrogen and oxygen atoms breaks, and the hydrogen atom combines with another hydrogen atom to form hydrogen gas. The sodium atom then bonds to the oxygen atom, forming sodium phenoxide.

Key points:

* This reaction is an example of a nucleophilic substitution reaction.

* The reaction is exothermic and releases heat.

* Sodium phenoxide is a white solid that is soluble in water.

Safety:

Sodium is a highly reactive metal that can react violently with water. It should be handled with extreme caution and always in a well-ventilated area.