The conjugate base of hydroquinone is used in the synthesis of PEEK. Is hydroxide a strong enough base for deprotonating hydroquinone? Phenolic protons (pKa ~ 10) are acidic than water (pKa ~ 15.7), therefore the equilibrium favor deprotonation of hydroquinone by hydroxide.

Equilibrium always favor the formation of weak conjugate bases and acids. H20 (pKa ~ 15.7) is a weak acid than phenol (pKa ~ 10) and thus the equilibrium will favor the deprotonation.

[pKa ∝ 1/Acidity]

Answers: Phenolic protons are more acidic than water, therefore the equilibrium should favor deprotonation of hydroquinone by hydroxide.