ABSTRACT
CHEMISTRY OF PHENOL As a class, phenols are compounds in which a hydroxy group is attached to a benzene ring. The name phenol also is used to refer specifically to the simplest compound in this group, which is also known as hydroxybenzene, benzenol, or carbolic acid (Figure 25.1).1 Phenol has a molecular weight of 94.11, a specific gravity of 1.071, and a boiling point of 182°C. It can react vigorously or even violently with other compounds, including formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and trifluroacetic acid, as well as aluminum chloride, nitrobenzene, some nitrates and nitrites, and other oxidizing agents. Phenol crystals are white or pink, and melt at 41°C. Most commercial phenol has a purity of 98%, but 100% pure phenol is obtainable.2
