Defining Phenol

Phenol is an alcohol variant where a hydroxyl group is directly linked to a benzene ring.

Phenol, also known as carbolic acid, is a significant class of organic compounds due to its diverse applications. Its initial isolation dates back to the early 19th century.

Content Breakdown

• Phenol Structure
• Phenol Uses

Phenol Structure

Phenol is widely used in various industries and is produced commercially on a large scale.

Phenol Applications

1. Roughly two-thirds of the global phenol production is utilized to create reagents for the plastic industry. Plastics are integral to our daily lives. The reaction of phenol with acetone yields bisphenol A, a key ingredient in the manufacture of various epoxide resins and polycarbonates in the polymer industry.
2. The polymerization of phenol with formaldehyde is employed to produce phenolic resins commercially. The end product, known as phenol-formaldehyde resin, is sold under the brand name bakelite.
3. Due to its heat resistance and electrical insulating properties, bakelite is widely used in electrical switches and automobiles. The intermediate product formed during the polymerization reaction, known as novolac , is a resin used as a binder or adhesive in various industries. Novolac is also employed for protective coating applications.
4. Phenol is also used in biomolecule research and extraction. Phenol is used in molecular biology for extracting nucleic acids from tissue samples for further analysis.
5. Phenol is also used in the cosmetic industry for the production of sunscreens, skin lightening creams, and hair colouring solutions.

Phenol's affordability and versatility make it applicable in a wide range of industries, from plastic and resin manufacturing to pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. The uses of phenol categorize it as one of the most versatile organic compounds.