Phenolic uses. The simplest is phenol, C 6H 5OH. Phenol-formaldehyde resin, any of a number of synthetic resins made by reacting phenol (an aromatic alcohol derived from benzene) with formaldehyde (a reactive gas derived from methane). The literature revealed that phenolic compounds have applications as antioxidants in foods, used in dairy products, and as food additives. There are many industries that use phenol as a chemical intermediate for the manufacture or production of different substances. Phenolic compounds have been used for many therapeutic purposes due to their effects on inflammation and other characteristics of human diseases, which may guide future research. They are precursors of other significant bioactive molecules regularly used for What is phenol topical? Phenol topical is used on the skin to help protect skin from infection in minor cuts, scrapes, or burns. In the first 2,4-Dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP) is a chlorinated derivative of phenol with the molecular formula Cl 2 C 6 H 3 OH. This chapter discusses different types of phenolic compounds and their potential health benefits in the prevention and treatment of several chronic pathological conditions such cancer For this purpose, solid-phase extraction is commonly used for phenolic compounds extraction or purification. Its complex chemical structure, containing a large amount of functional groups, such as phenolic hydroxyls, and carboxyl acid groups, facilitates crosslinking reactions and allows lignin to serve as a viable substitute for phenol used in the synthesis of phenolic resin nanomaterials. This MNT Knowledge Center article explains the Novolacs are produced using an excess of phenol and require a curing agent, while resoles are made with an excess of formaldehyde and can cure without additional agents. What is phenol used for. Jul 22, 2025 · Phenolic resins, created by reacting phenol with formaldehyde, are valued for their thermal stability and are used in electrical components and adhesives. However, despi Toshniwal Paharia, Pooja Toshniwal Paharia. Phenol – the simplest of the phenols Natural phenolic compounds are widely present not only in foods but also in non-edible, easily-accessible sources, such as waste materials from agri-food industries [22]. What is phenol or phenolic compound. As they are present in food consumed in human diets and in plants used in traditional medicine of several cultures, their role in human health and disease is a subject of research. Get complete details about Phenol. Besides serving as the generic name for the entire family, the term phenol is also the specific name for its simplest member, monohydroxybenzene, also known as benzenol. Phenol is obtained by fusing sodium or potassium salt of benzene sulphonic acid with solid NaOH or Phenol encountered in school or college chemistry laboratories demands special respect on account of its toxic and corrosive nature. In this context, Panzella et al. Phenol has a distinct odor that is sickeningly sweet and tarry. Although consumers use products that contain a small amount of phenol, such as mouthwash and throat lozenges, direct contact to the raw material is most common in manufacturing environments or near landfills. This chapter provides a comprehensive review of the latest scientific research on the applications of phenolic compounds. Phenolic compounds are classified as simple phenols or polyphenols based on the number of phenol units in the molecule. Phenol is used in small amounts in a range of medicinal and household products. Toxic and even fatal amounts of phenol can be absorbed through relatively small areas of skin. Each type has its unique properties and applications, allowing for a wide range of uses across different sectors. Phenolic molding compounds typically appear as powders as opposed to pellets commonly seen in thermoplastic moldings; however, phenolic resin laminates appear as a sheet, rod, or tubes. 5% to 4% for such purposes. Although concentrated simple phenol is a corrosive and toxic substance, its controlled use in manufacturing and as a chemical denervation agent in pain management highlights its utility. In the wood industry, phenol is also used as a preservative to protect wood against microorganism attacks. 2,4-Di-tert-butylphenol (2,4-DTBP) is a white solid with a phenolic odour. Polyphenols are beneficial plant compounds thought to offer various health benefits. When heated, phenol produces flammable vapors that are explosive at concentrations of 3 to 10% in air. Phenol – the simplest of the phenols Chemical structure of salicylic acid, the active metabolite of aspirin Phenols are both synthesized industrially and produced by plants and Complete phenolic resin guide for engineers. Phenol is also used as an oral analgesic or anesthetic in products such as Chloraseptic to treat pharyngitis. This article reviews everything you need to know about polyphenols, including possible food sources. Some forms of phenol topical are used inside the mouth to provide temporary relief of minor mouth pain or irritation, sore throat, or canker sore pain. Phenol encountered in school or college chemistry laboratories demands special respect on account of its toxic and corrosive nature. Phenol or are added in a minor quantity in products to extend their shelf life by inhibiting the growth of bacteria, fungi, and other From dietary antioxidants to industrial plastics, explore the versatile role of phenolic compounds and their distinct effects in both nature and technology. Phenolic resin, or phenol-formaldehyde resin, is a heat-resistant synthetic polymer known for strength and flame retardance. It is produced on a large scale as a precursor to the herbicide 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D). Advantages of Phenolic Materials Exceptional Heat Resistance Phenolics or phenolic compounds (PCs) have been acknowledged as innumerable secondary metabolites (SM) and directed as highly pervasive, distinct, and incalculable phytochemicals, ranging from simple molecules to highly complex polymerized substances. The major hazard of phenol is its ability to penetrate the skin rapidly, causing severe burns. But phenol and its derivatives do have a few medicinal surprises Now that we’ve talked about the properties and uses of phenolic resin, let’s take a look at the physical attributes that phenolic resins appear as. Phenol is a combustible solid (NFPA rating = 2). [5] In addition to its use in making resins and adhesives, phenol is also the starting material for the synthesis of chlorinated phenols and the food preservatives BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) and BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole). In this chapter, an updated overview of the main solid-phase extraction (SPE) methods used to determine phenolic compounds in foods are presented. The Asia-Pacific region is the largest market for phenol, followed by North America and Europe. The What exactly is phenolic plastic, what are the benefits, and how is it used? This blog post has all the answers. The onset of action is relatively quick, often within minutes, due to its rapid absorption and immediate effect on cellular proteins and membranes. It is also used in slimicides (chemicals that kill bacteria and fungi in slimes), as a disinfectant and antiseptic, and in medicinal preparations such as mouthwash and sore throat lozenges. Plant phenolic compounds can act as antioxidants, structural polymers (lignin), Phenol is a colorless-to-white solid when pure; however, the commercial product, which contains some water, is a liquid. The compounds in which the -OH group is directly attached to the benzene ring are called phenols or phenolic compounds and under these conditions the -OH group is called phenolic group. Phenol topical is used on the scalp to treat dandruff. [1][5][6][7]: 104 Some phenols are germicidal and are used in formulating disinfectants. Bisphenol A (BPA), another derivative of phenol, is a key component in manufacturing polycarbonate plastics (used in items like eyewear lenses and compact discs) and epoxy resins. Uses of Phenol: Antiseptic, disinfectant, anaesthetic, and household cleaning are some uses of the phenol. The outbreak of World War I provided a stimulus for the industrial preparation of large amounts of synthetic phenol, which was needed as a raw material Discover key uses of phenol in real-world applications. Discover properties, applications in automotive/aerospace, and why it's preferred for fire-resistant materials. Most plant Under construction Several laboratory methods for the synthesis of phenols: by an ester rearrangement in the Fries rearrangement by a rearrangement of N-phenylhydroxylamines in the Bamberger rearrangement by hydrolysis of phenolic esters or ethers by reduction of quinones by replacement of an aromatic amine by an hydroxyl group with water and sodium bisulfide in the Bucherer reaction by Phenol is also called carbolic acid. Phenol can catch fire. Phenol, any of a family of organic compounds characterized by a hydroxyl group attached to a carbon atom that is part of an aromatic ring. Low level exposure from the correct use of these products would be not expected to cause adverse health effects. Phenol is used in the production of a wide range of chemicals, including bisphenol-A, phenolic resins, and caprolactam, which are used to manufacture various products, such as polycarbonate plastics, laminates, coatings, and synthetic fibers. What is Phenolic Plastic? Jul 23, 2025 · Phenol and its derivatives are used as preservatives in some pharmaceuticals and personal care products to extend their shelf life by inhibiting the growth of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms. Learn its formula, structure, properties, synthesis, and reactions with examples. Indeed, it is safe enough to be used as the active ingredient in some mouthwashes and throat lozenges. Phenol has been used to disinfect skin and to relieve itching. Carbon dioxide or dry chemical extinguishers should be used to fight phenol fires. It is primarily used as a raw material for the production of several commercially important antioxidants and phenolic benzotriazole -type UV absorbers. In industrial applications, phenol is often a component of wood preservative compounds or wood adhesives commonly used in plywood. Antioxidant-rich phenolic compounds: A key to disease prevention, gut health, and brain homeostasis. In addition to its use in making resins and adhesives, phenol is also the starting material for the synthesis of chlorinated phenols and the food preservatives BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) and BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole). SAFE USE OF PHENOL Phenol (carbolic acid) is a colorless or pink crystalline solid or viscous liquid with a characteristic sweet, tarry odor. [6] It is commonly used in concentrations ranging from 0. They exhibit a variety of functions including plant growth, development, and defense. 9). Additionally, phenol and its related compounds are used in surgical ingrown toenail treatment, a process termed phenolization. It also finds use as a starting material in the synthesis of agrochemicals, fragrances and catalysts (i. Phenolic acids are key class of dietary polyphenols, natural antioxidants. (1) This study aims to describe the multifunctional roles of phenolic compounds in the treatment of human diseases. Gain a comprehensive understanding of phenolic compounds, the powerful plant substances essential for natural health and well-being. [23] focused their attention on exhausted woods, which represent a by-product of the tannin industrial production processes. It is much more powerful than phenol as a germicide and has fewer undesirable side effects. Now, however, an alternative synthesis uses isopropylbenzene, commonly called cumene. Uses The primary use of phenol is in the production of phenolic resins, which are used in the plywood, construction, automotive, and appliance industries. When used as an antiseptic, phenol is typically applied directly to the skin or mucous membranes. In this paper, the biosynthesis process of phenolic compounds in plants is summarized, which include the shikimate, pentose phosphate and phenylpropanoid pathways. Preparation Benzene Benzene sulfonation provides benzene sulphonic acid. Plastics and Resins: Phenol is fundamental in manufacturing phenolic resins and polycarbonates, used in automotive parts, electronics, and construction materials for their thermal stability and mechanical strength. Phenol is obtained by fusing sodium or potassium salt of benzene sulphonic acid with solid NaOH or For example, industrial and domestic activities, such as manufacturing of phenolic resin, pesticide synthesis, oil industry, coking operations, and the use of plastics, pulp, wood products, detergents, textiles, and pharmaceuticals, result in the release of toxic phenolic compounds into water bodies, including lakes, rivers, and the sea [46, 47]. Phenol is used primarily in the production of phenolic resins and in the manufacture of nylon and other synthetic fibers. Pentachlorophenol, a widely used wood preservative, is prepared by reaction of phenol with excess Cl 2. Phenol is used in the cosmetics and skincare products manufacturing industries for the production of various skincare and cosmetics products such as skin lightening creams and lotions, sunscreens, and hair colors and dyes’ solutions. Phenolic plastics are woven fabric or material layers, such as paper, canvas, fiberglass, or linen, held together with phenolic resin. Most people begin to smell phenol in air at about 40 parts of phenol per billion parts of air (ppb), and begin to smell phenol in water at about 1�8 parts of phenol per million parts of water (ppm; 1 ppm is A number of phenolic compounds are produced by plants as a means to destroy foreign pathogens, so it’s believed that the same antimicrobial and antiviral benefits can carry over to humans. Phenol was manufactured for many years by the Dow process, in which chlorobenzene reacts with NaOH at high temperature and pressure. Phenolic compounds are natural bioactive molecules found mainly in plant tissues that have shown interesting bioactivities, such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antiproliferative activities, among others, which has led to great interest in their use by several industries. But phenol and its derivatives do have a few medicinal surprises The colouring industry uses phenols as a starting material to create azo dyes. Oct 29, 2025 · Phenol derivatives also serve as intermediates in the production of various consumer products, including herbicides, dyes, and pharmaceutical drugs. Understand the advantages and material properties of phenolic plastics and similar non-phenolic composite materials compatible with manufacturing durable, high-performance components, electrical and insulation applications, and more. Jacobsen's catalyst). Despite its toxicity against most tested Phenolic compounds are natural bioactive molecules found mainly in plant tissues that have shown interesting bioactivities, such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antiproliferative activities, among others, which has led to great interest in their use by several industries. . Phenol-formaldehyde resins were the first completely synthetic polymers to be commercialized. (1) Phenol is also used in the production of caprolactam and bisphenol A, which are intermediates in the manufacture of nylon and epoxy resins, respectively. Polyphenols are compounds found in plants, including flavonoids and phenolic acid, that greatly benefit the human body and help fight disease. It is a white solid that is mildly acidic (pK a = 7. Phenol is also called carbolic acid. The compound 4-hexylresorcinol is mild enough to be used as the active ingredient in antiseptic preparations for use on the skin. However, despi Uses of Phenol: Antiseptic, disinfectant, anaesthetic, and household cleaning are some uses of the phenol. Widely used in molding, coatings, and insulation, it remains vital in safety-critical applications, with growing importance in high-performance and eco-friendly materials. e. Created by phenol reacting to formaldehyde under heat and pressure, phenol-formaldehyde resin is the commercial polymer that produces the chemical reaction determining the material properties of phenolic plastics. Body systems supported by phenolic acids Phenolic acids are good for the skin. What is its melting point. 2023. Learn, revise, and excel in chemistry with Vedantu’s expert insights! The sodium salt of phenol, sodium phenoxide, is far more water-soluble. Abstract Phenolic compounds are natural bioactive molecules found mainly in plant tissues that have shown interesting bioactivities, such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antiproliferative activities, among others, which has led to great interest in their use by several industries. tsqc, qopbh, i7gux, 0ou8, 3er2c, hria, tjmgn, dz9js, sgdtf, oj0ub,