Phenol (C6H5OH) is a chemical compound used in various industries. It has antiseptic properties and is also used in the production of plastics, dyes, and pharmaceuticals.
| IUPAC Name | Phenol |
| Molecular Formula | C6H6O |
| CAS Number | 108-95-2 |
| Synonyms | Carbolic Acid, Hydroxybenzene, Monohydroxybenzene |
| InChI | InChI=1S/C6H6O/c7-6-4-2-1-3-5-6/h1-5,7H |
Phenol Properties
Phenol Formula
The formula of phenol is C6H6O. It consists of six carbon atoms, six hydrogen atoms, and one oxygen atom. The arrangement of these atoms gives phenol its unique chemical properties.
Phenol Molar Mass
The molar mass of C6H5OH is calculated by adding up the atomic masses of its constituent elements. C6H5OH has a molar mass of approximately 94.11 grams per mole (g/mol). This value is useful in determining the amount of C6H5OH in a given sample.
Phenol Boiling Point
C6H5OH has a boiling point of about 181.7 degrees Celsius (358.1 degrees Fahrenheit). This relatively high boiling point indicates that C6H5OH exists as a liquid at room temperature and requires significant heat to convert into a gaseous state.
Phenol Melting Point
The melting point of C6H5OH is around 40.5 degrees Celsius (104.9 degrees Fahrenheit). This temperature marks the transition of C6H5OH from a solid to a liquid state. The low melting point allows C6H5OH to readily dissolve in various solvents.
Phenol Density g/mL
C6H5OH has a density of approximately 1.07 grams per milliliter (g/mL). This density value indicates that C6H5OH is denser than water, which has a density of 1 g/mL. It means that C6H5OH sinks in water.
Phenol Molecular Weight
The molecular weight of C6H5OH is calculated by summing up the atomic weights of its constituent atoms. C6H5OH has a molecular weight of approximately 94.11 grams per mole (g/mol). This value is crucial in determining stoichiometry and reactions involving C6H5OH.
Phenol Structure
The structure of C6H5OH consists of a benzene ring with a hydroxyl (-OH) group attached to one of the carbon atoms. This hydroxyl group imparts C6H5OH with its characteristic properties, making it an important compound in various industrial applications.
Phenol Solubility
C6H5OH exhibits moderate solubility in water. It can dissolve in water to form a clear solution due to the formation of hydrogen bonds between C6H5OH molecules and water molecules. However, the solubility of C6H5OH decreases with the presence of other nonpolar organic compounds.
| Appearance | Clear, colorless liquid |
| Specific Gravity | 1.07 g/mL |
| Color | Colorless |
| Odor | Characteristic odor |
| Molar Mass | 94.11 g/mol |
| Density | 1.07 g/mL |
| Melting Point | 40.5 °C (104.9 °F) |
| Boiling Point | 181.7 °C (358.1 °F) |
| Flash Point | 79 °C (174 °F) |
| Water Solubility | Soluble |
| Solubility | Soluble in organic solvents |
| Vapor Pressure | 0.7 mmHg (20 °C) |
| Vapor Density | 3.2 (air = 1) |
| pKa | 9.95 |
| pH | Approximately 6 |
Phenol Safety and Hazards
C6H5OH poses potential safety hazards and should be handled with caution. It is corrosive and can cause severe skin burns and eye damage upon contact. Inhalation of C6H5OH vapors may irritate the respiratory system and lead to respiratory distress. Exposure to high concentrations can be harmful to internal organs, including the liver, kidneys, and nervous system. C6H5OH is also flammable and can ignite if exposed to an open flame or heat source. It is important to use appropriate protective measures such as gloves, goggles, and respiratory protection when working with C6H5OH to minimize the risks associated with its handling and use.
| Hazard Symbols | Skull and Crossbones, Corrosive |
| Safety Description | Causes severe burns, toxic if inhaled |
| UN IDs | UN 1671 (liquid), UN 2312 (solid) |
| HS Code | 2907.11.00 |
| Hazard Class | Class 6.1 (Toxic substances) |
| Packing Group | PG II (for liquid), PG III (for solid) |
| Toxicity | Highly toxic and corrosive |
Phenol Synthesis Methods
C6H5OH can be synthesized using various methods. One common method is the cumene process. In this process, benzene and propylene react in the presence of an acid catalyst, typically phosphoric acid, to produce cumene. Air or oxygen oxidizes cumene to produce cumene hydroperoxide, which undergoes cleavage to yield C6H5OH and acetone as byproducts.
Another method is the Dow process, which involves the direct oxidation of benzene using air and a metal oxides catalyst, such as copper or manganese. This process produces C6H5OH and water as the main products.
The Raschig-Hooker process is another route for C6H5OH synthesis. It involves the reaction of chlorobenzene with sodium hydroxide at high temperatures and pressures. This process yields C6H5OH and sodium chloride.
The hydrolysis of diazonium salts derived from aniline provides a pathway to obtain C6H5OH. This process involves the reaction of aniline with nitrous acid to form the diazonium salt, which then undergoes hydrolysis to generate C6H5OH.
Additionally, there are alternative methods, including the oxidation of toluene or benzene with nitric acid, as well as the hydrolysis of chlorobenzene using steam.
These various synthesis methods offer different routes to produce C6H5OH, allowing for its availability in the industry and its application in numerous sectors such as pharmaceuticals, plastics, and dyes.
Phenol Uses
C6H5OH finds diverse applications across several industries due to its unique properties. Here are some of its common uses:
- It finds use as an antiseptic in various healthcare products and disinfectants to prevent infection and promote wound healing.
- It serves as a precursor in the production of various plastics, including polycarbonates, epoxy resins, and phenolic resins, which construction, automotive, and electrical industries widely use.
- C6H5OH plays an essential role in the synthesis of pharmaceutical drugs, such as analgesics, antipyretics, and antiseptics, contributing to the medical field.
- Manufacturers employ it in the manufacturing of dyes, pigments, and synthetic perfumes to add color and scent to various consumer products.
- C6H5OH derivatives find used as herbicides to control weed growth in agricultural and horticultural practices.
- Phenolic resins derived from C6H5OH are used in the production of adhesives, providing strong bonding properties in various applications, including woodworking and laminates.
- Cosmetic products such as creams, lotions, and hair dyes contain C6H5OH due to its preservative and antioxidant properties.
- In industries like food processing and pharmaceutical manufacturing, C6H5OH acts as a solvent for extracting various compounds, including fats, oils, and alkaloids.
- It serves as a versatile intermediate in the synthesis of numerous chemicals, including bisphenol-A, caprolactam, and nylon.
- Researchers utilize phenol as a laboratory reagent in experiments, especially in biochemical and molecular biology studies.
The wide range of applications highlights the significance of phenol in different sectors, making it a valuable compound in various industrial processes and consumer products.
Questions
Q: What is a phenol?
A: C6H5OH is a chemical compound that consists of a hydroxyl (-OH) group attached to a benzene ring.
Q: What is the functional group of alcohol and a phenol?
A: The functional group of an alcohol is the hydroxyl (-OH) group, while in C6H5OH, the hydroxyl group is specifically attached to a benzene ring.
Q: What is phenol used for?
A: C6H5OH is used in various industries for applications such as antiseptics, plastics production, pharmaceutical synthesis, dyes, fragrances, and as a solvent.
Q: What is phenol pKa?
A: The pKa of C6H5OH is approximately 9.95, indicating its weak acidic nature.
Q: Is phenol an alcohol?
A: Yes, C6H5OH is considered alcohol due to the presence of the hydroxyl (-OH) functional group.
Q: What are phenolic compounds?
A: Phenolic compounds are a broad class of chemical compounds that contain one or more phenol rings and exhibit diverse biological activities and antioxidant properties.
Q: How to calculate total phenolic content?
A: Total phenolic content can be determined using various spectrophotometric methods, such as the Folin-Ciocalteu assay, by measuring the absorbance of phenolic compounds at specific wavelengths.
Q: Is phenol soluble in water?
A: Yes, C6H5OH is moderately soluble in water, forming a clear solution due to the formation of hydrogen bonds with water molecules.
Q: Which is more acidic, phenol or alcohol?
A: C6H5OH is more acidic than alcohol due to the presence of a more stable phenoxide ion resulting from resonance stabilization in the C6H5OH molecule.