Uses of Phenol
Due to its unique properties, Phenol has a wide range of applications across various industries. Some of the critical applications of Phenol include:
- Medical Uses: Phenol finds application in the medical field as a local anaesthetic for otology procedures, a sore throat treatment, and an active ingredient in oral analgesics. It also possesses hemostatic and antiseptic properties, making it suitable for medical applications.
- Pharmaceuticals: Phenol is an essential ingredient in the production of various pharmaceutical drugs, lotions, ointments, and ear drops used to prevent bacterial or fungal infections
- Industrial Synthesis: Phenol is a crucial precursor for producing various materials and compounds. It synthesizes plastics, polycarbonates, epoxies, Bakelite, and nylon.
- Polymer Industry: It is used in the polymer industry for the preparation of phenolic resins, such as Bakelite, through its polymerization reaction with formaldehyde
- Other Uses: Phenol is also utilized in the extraction of nucleic acids, the production of explosive materials, and the manufacturing of azo dyes, and it is used as a preservative in the wood industry.
Phenol (C6H5OH)
Phenol is an aromatic organic compound. Its molecular formula is C6H6O. Phenol is characterized by a hydroxyl group attached to a carbon atom that is part of an aromatic ring. It is also known as carbolic acid and consists of hydroxyl and phenyl groups attached to each other. In this article, we look into what phenol is, its structure, its classification, general properties, preparation and reactions, etc.
Table of Content
- What is Phenol?
- Classification of phenol
- Properties of phenol
- Preparation of Phenol
- Reaction of Phenol
- Derivatives of Phenol
- Uses of Phenol