Overview
Phenol, also known as carbolic acid, is a versatile aromatic compound with the formula C6H5OH. It was first isolated from coal tar in the 19th century and is now predominantly synthesized from cumene. As a precursor to numerous industrial chemicals, phenol is a cornerstone of modern chemical manufacturing. Its applications span plastics (e.g., polycarbonates and epoxy resins), pharmaceuticals (aspirin synthesis), and disinfectants. Due to its toxicity and corrosive nature, phenol requires careful handling, but its reactivity makes it invaluable in organic synthesis and polymer production.
Physical and Chemical Properties
Phenol is a white crystalline solid at room temperature with a distinct medicinal odor. It exhibits moderate solubility in water (8.3 g/100 mL at 20°C) and high solubility in organic solvents like ethanol. Its weakly acidic nature (pKa ~9.95) allows it to form phenoxide salts with bases. Notably, phenol undergoes electrophilic substitution reactions (e.g., bromination) and oxidation. Its melting point (40.5°C) and boiling point (181.7°C) make it suitable for processes requiring liquid-phase reactions. The compound’s hydrogen-bonding capacity contributes to its higher boiling point compared to benzene.
Main Applications
Over 50% of global phenol production is used to manufacture bisphenol A (BPA), a key monomer for polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins. In pharmaceuticals, phenol derivatives form the basis of aspirin, antiseptics, and topical anesthetics. Phenol’s disinfectant properties make it valuable in medical and laboratory settings, though its use has declined due to toxicity concerns. Smaller applications include phenolic resins for adhesives, nylon production via caprolactam, and alkylphenols for surfactants. Emerging uses include bio-based phenol from lignin for sustainable materials.
Safety and Storage
Phenol is highly corrosive to skin and mucous membranes, causing chemical burns upon contact. Inhalation or ingestion can lead to systemic toxicity, affecting the central nervous system and kidneys. Proper PPE (gloves, goggles, respirators) is mandatory during handling. Storage requires inert containers (stainless steel or polyethylene) in cool, ventilated areas, separated from oxidizers. Spills should be neutralized with sodium carbonate and contained with absorbent materials. Regulatory compliance (OSHA, GHS) mandates clear hazard labeling (GHS05, GHS06) and SDS documentation.
B2B Procurement Guide
When procuring phenol industrially, prioritize suppliers with ISO 9001 certification and REACH compliance. Key specifications include purity (≥99%), water content (<0.5%), and APHA color (<10). Bulk shipments typically use tanker trucks or isotanks for liquid phenol, while solid forms are packed in 25-kg bags. Market prices fluctuate with benzene feedstock costs—benchmark against ICIS or ChemAnalyst reports. For long-term contracts, consider geographic factors (e.g., Asia dominates production) and logistics (phenol’s melting point may require heated transport). Audit suppliers for waste disposal practices to ensure environmental responsibility.
Related Manufacturers
- 主营：丙酮醇、戊二酮、丁酸乙酯、二叔丁基苯酚、羟基丙酮、液体香精、化工原料、糠酸乙酯、乙酸己酯、日化香精、香料香精、透明液体、木香香精、无色液体、糠酸甲酯、食用香精、乙酸苯酯、液体香料、月桂酸乙酯、十二酸乙酯、十四酸乙酯、苹果酯香精、十六酸乙酯、复合型香精、优级品苹果酯、高效香精原料
- 主营：四氢噻吩、三甲基戊烷、乙硫醇、邻苯基苯酚、苯酚、二甲基亚砜、氧化三甲胺、环丁砜、正己烯、单氰胺、氟硅酸、氯乙酸、氯乙酸钠、叔丁硫醇、对叔丁基邻苯二酚、氟硼酸、溶剂油、乙硫氨酯、苯扎溴铵、三聚氯氰、亚磷酸三苯酯、对氟苯胺、正己烷、叔十二硫醇、二甲基二硫醚
- 主营：防冻液、固化剂、三乙醇胺、苯酚、乙二醇、邻苯二甲酸二丁脂、邻苯二甲酸二辛脂、环氧树脂、二氯甲烷、溶剂油、航空煤油、异丁醇、二硫化钼、甲醇、氯化石蜡、二乙二醇、甲缩醛、片碱、甘油、异丙醇、丙二醇、柠檬酸、次氯酸钠、葡萄糖
- 主营：航空煤油、三氯乙烯、四氢呋喃、苯酚、乙腈、溶剂油、异丙醇、无水乙醇、磷酸、85%甲酸、氢氧化钠、环己酮、二甲基乙酰胺、二甲基甲酰胺、苯乙烯、环氧氯丙烷、二氯甲烷、二甲苯、丙烯酸甲酯、14丁二醇、正丁醇、三乙胺、正己烷、甲醇、冰醋酸、戊二醛
- 主营：二叔丁基苯酚、甲酚、抗氧剂
- 主营：聚苯胺、脯氨酸甲酯盐酸盐、苄基三甲基氯化铵
- 主营：紫外线吸收剂、光稳定剂、光引发剂、抗氧剂、磺酸盐副产品
- 主营：紫外线吸收剂、光稳定剂、光引发剂、抗氧化剂、荧光增白剂、磺酸盐生物
- 主营：二异丙基苯酚、全氟三丁胺、木质素、吉氏色素
- 主营：润湿剂、聚乙二醇、电镀增溶剂、二苯乙烯化苯酚、分散防回染剂、聚丙二醇 PPG、脂肪酸酯、磷酸酯、匀染剂、甘油三油酸酯、辛基酚聚氧乙烯醚、乳化剂、聚醚、消泡剂、农药乳化剂、分散剂、添加剂AC、乳化剂司盘、抗静电剂、纺织前处理助剂、柔软剂、净洗剂、脂肪醇聚氧乙烯醚
- 主营：叔碳酸、十八醛、溶菌酶、二叔丁基对甲基苯酚、海藻糖、癸二醇、氨基丙基、氢路噻嗪、邻苯二甲、乙基碳二、羟基癸酸、正十七烷、谷胱甘肽、烷二甲醇、松果体素、vc磷酸酯镁、2-甲基丁醛、朱栾倍半萜、丁烷四乙酸、表面活性剂、癸烷撑二醇、缩水甘油邻、10-羟基羊蜡酸、氢氯噻嗪杂质、盐酸邻菲罗啉、壳聚糖季铵盐
- 主营：防冻液、冰醋酸、乙二醇、化工苯酚、医用苯酚、工业苯酚、精制苯酚、求购苯酚、冰乙酸、纯吡啶、丙二醇、羟基苯、14丁二醇、3-丙三醇、四氢呋喃、环保乙腈、1.4丁二醇、价位四氢、乙腈工业、乙酸乙酯、吡啶化工、甲酸乙酯、吡啶工业、高纯三氯、实验乙腈
- 主营：甲基丙烯酸十二酯、甲基丙烯酸十六酯、甲基丙烯酸十八酯、二叔丁基苯酚、丙烯酸十二酯、丙烯酸十六酯、丙烯酸十八酯、V50引发剂、偶氮二异丁咪唑啉盐酸盐、N-乙酰己内酰胺、硅烷偶联剂、双马来酰亚胺、马来酸酯、缩水甘油酯、缩水甘油醚、甲基咪唑、N-异丙基丙烯酰胺、金属萃取剂
- 主营：UV单体、阻燃剂、增塑剂、二甲氧基苯酚、光引发剂、生物化工中间体
- 主营：封口蜡、水杨酸、正辛烷、二叔丁基苯酚中间体、肉桂醇、珠光片、碳酸镁、肉桂醛、建筑料、磷酸铝、肉桂酸、戊二醛、切削液、叔丁醇、清洗剂、硫化钠、硫化钡、升硫醚、硫化钙、杀菌液、氯化锌、黄原胶、助染剂、椰子油、氯化锰、氧化锑