Phenol

Specifications

CAS No.

108-95-2

Molecular formula

C6H5OH

Molecular weight

94.11

Melting point

40.9°C

Boiling point

181.8°C

Key features

• Weakly acidic - can react with strong bases to form salts
• Moderately soluble in water (8.3 g/100 mL at 20°C)
• Highly soluble in alcohol, ether, chloroform, and glycerol
• Corrosive to skin and mucous membranes
• Disinfectant and antiseptic properties
• Undergoes electrophilic aromatic substitution readily
• Can form phenoxide ions for various reactions
• Available in molten and solid forms.

Applications

Plastics and resins

production of phenolic resins, Bakelite, epoxy resins

Chemical intermediate

bisphenol A, caprolactam, salicylic acid

Pharmaceutical industry

aspirin, phenol derivatives, preservatives

Agriculture

herbicides, fungicides, insecticides

Dyes and pigments

intermediate for various dye production

Cosmetics

hair dyes, skin treatments (in controlled concentrations)

Disinfectants

antiseptics, throat lozenges, mouthwash

Rubber industry

antioxidants and vulcanization agents

Wood preservation

phenol-formaldehyde resins for plywood.