Phenol is an aromatic organic compound with the molecular formula C₆H₅OH. It is a white crystalline solid that is volatile and can catch fire. The molecule consists of a phenyl group bonded to a hydroxy group. Mildly acidic, it requires careful handling and appropriate personal protective equipment because it is corrosive to skin and toxic by inhalation and ingestion. Key physical and chemical properties include a molecular weight of 94.11 g mol, melting point 40.5 °C, boiling point 181.7 °C, density about 1.07 g cm3 at 20 °C, refractive index nD20 ≈ 1.527, moderate water solubility (≈8.3 g per 100 mL at 20 °C) and a pKa near 10. Phenol is a versatile intermediate in industrial chemistry, used as a precursor to phenolic resins, bisphenol A, caprolactam and other specialty chemicals; it also has disinfectant activity and solvent properties. Typical handling controls include closed transfer, local exhaust ventilation, splash-resistant gloves and eye protection, and storage in corrosion-resistant containers away from ignition sources.
Commercial phenol purity and impurity profile depend on the production route and downstream purification; typical reagent grade phenol is 99.5 percent or higher, while technical grades can range from about 98 to 99.9 percent. Common related compounds and typical trace or low level amounts encountered after standard purification are total cresols 0.1 to 0.8 percent (ortho, meta and para cresols combined), acetone 0.01 to 0.5 percent, alpha-methylstyrene and other alkylbenzenes 0.01 to 0.2 percent, water 0.05 to 0.5 percent, and trace levels of catechol and hydroquinone on the order of 0.01 to 0.1 percent. Benzene and cumene residues are generally present at very low levels, often below 0.01 to 0.1 percent, depending on separation efficiency. Pharmaceutical or analytical grades have much tighter specifications with impurity levels controlled to meet pharmacopeial or reagent standards, and exact limits should be taken from the certificate of analysis for a given lot.
Phenol is used primarily as an intermediate in producing phenolic resins, bisphenol A, caprolactam and alkylated derivatives; it is also used in chemical synthesis of herbicides and pharmaceuticals, as a precursor for antioxidants and stabilizers, and in low concentrations as a disinfectant and antiseptic in some formulations.
The molecular formula of phenol is C₆H₅OH.
No, phenol is not good for skin; it is corrosive and can cause deep burns, systemic absorption and serious toxicity. Small medical uses of phenol as a topical chemical cauterant are performed under controlled clinical conditions, but direct handling requires protective clothing and immediate decontamination on contact.
Phenol can appear as an active antiseptic or preservative in some topical formulations and otologic or throat preparations, and it is used as a reagent in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals. Specific products and formulations vary by region and regulatory approval, so consult product labels or pharmacopeial monographs for exact composition.
