Information AboutPhenol |
| CATEGORIES ABOUT PHENOL | |
| phenols | |
| antiseptics | |
| hazardous air pollutants | |
| iarc group 3 carcinogens | |
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Phenol, also known under an older name of '''carbolic acid''', is a colorless Crystal line Solid with a typical sweet tarry Odor . Its Chemical Formula is C 6 H 5 O H and its structure is that of a Hydroxyl Group (-OH) Bonded to a Phenyl Ring ; it is thus an Aromatic Compound . __NOTOC__ PHENOLS See Also: phenols The word ''phenol'' is also used to refer to any compound which contains a six-membered Aromatic ring, bonded directly to a Hydroxyl Group (-OH). In effect, phenols are a class of Organic Compound s of which the phenol discussed in this article is the simplest member. PROPERTIES Phenol has a limited C6H5O−. Compared to Aliphatic Alcohol s, phenol shows much higher acidity. This is due to the Mesomeric Effect . PRODUCTION Phenol can be made from the partial Oxidation of Benzene , by the Cumene Process , or by the Raschig Process . It can also be found as a product of Coal oxidation. USES Phenol has Antiseptic properties, and was used by Sir Joseph Lister in his pioneering technique of antiseptic surgery, though the skin irritation caused by continual exposure to phenol eventually led to the substitution of aseptic (germ-free) techniques in surgery. It is one of the main components of the commercial antiseptic TCP . Phenol has Anesthetic properties, and is the active ingredient in some oral anesthetics such as Chloraseptic® spray. It is also used in the production of drugs (it is the starting material in the industrial production of Aspirin ), weedkillers, and Synthetic resins ( Bakelite , one of the first synthetic resins to be manufactured, is a Polymer of phenol with Formaldehyde ). Exposure of the skin to concentrated phenol solutions causes chemical burns which may be severe; in Laboratories where it is used, it is usually recommended that Polyethylene Glycol solution is kept available for washing off splashes. Washing with large amounts of plain water (most labs have a safety shower or eye-wash) and removal of contaminated clothing are required, and immediate ER treatment for large splashes; particularly if the phenol is mixed with Chloroform (a commonly used mixture in molecular biology for DNA purification). Notwithstanding the effects of concentrated solutions, it is also used in Cosmetic Surgery as an exfoliant, to remove layers of dead skin. SEE ALSO EXTERNAL LINKS
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